Root-knot nematode-resistant plants

This technologyprovides for certain genetic modifications of plants to render them withbroad resistance to infection by root-knot nematodes. Nematodes area large group of invertebrate animals commonly referred to as roundworms,threadworms, eelworms, or “nema”.  Mostnematodes feed on bacteria, fungi and other soil organisms, while others areparasitic, obtaining their food from animals and plants.  Plant- parasitic nematodes are found inassociation with most plants.  Some areendoparasitic, living and feeding within the tissue of roots, tubers, leaves,etc.  The yield of plants infected with nematodesis greatly reduced. Endoparasitic root feeders include the root-knotnematodes.  Root-knot nematodes formgalls on infected roots.  The gallsdrastically decrease the plant’s ability to take up water and nutrients. Thisresults in stunted growth, impaired fruit production, yellow or wilted foliage,and increased susceptibility to other stress factors such as drought andnutritional deficiencies.  Nematode feedingalso creates open wounds that provide entry for other pathogens such as fungiand bacteria.  The greatest impact oncrop productivity occurs when nematodes attack the roots of seedlings.

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