FUNCTIONAL GENOMICS OF HOST RESPONSES TO PLANT PARASITIC NEMATODES AND MOLECULAR BASIS OF PARASITISM

Objective 1: Elucidate key genes and processes involved in alfalfa resistance to agriculturally important plant parasitic nematodes. Goal: Identify gene-candidates associated with alfalfa resistance to root lesion nematode Pratylenchus penetrans for potential use in alfalfa breeding programs. Objective 2: Determine specific genes involved in the parasitism of plant parasitic nematodes. Select essential metabolic and parasitism genes that could be targeted for nematode control. Sub-objective 1: Identify and select genes of Pratylenchus penetrans that could be targeted for nematode control in alfalfa Sub-objective 2: Identify gene targets in sugar beet cyst nematodes Heterodera schachtii for nematode control in sugar beet. Sub-objective 3: Prioritize potential genes targets of Radopholus similis for nematode control in anthuriums and identify potential gene targets of Meloidogyne konaensis for nematode control in coffee.