Functional Characterization of Nematode Effectors in Plants

Secreted effectors represent the molecular interface between the nematode and its host plant. Studies that aimed at deciphering molecular plant–nematode interactions are hampered by technical hurdles that prevent the generation of transgenic nematodes. However, RNA interference (RNAi) has proven to be a valuable tool to specifically knock-down nematode effector genes, both ex planta and in planta. Plant-mediated RNAi of nematode genes not only facilitates functional characterization of effectors but also lends itself to a novel control strategy against plant-parasitic nematodes. Here, we describe currently used methods to silence genes in plant-parasitic cyst and root-knot nematodes.
Source: Springer protocols feed by Plant Sciences - Category: Biology Source Type: news