Potato cyst nematodes

Potato cyst nematodes

Our work aims to understand the molecular mechanisms of susceptible and resistant interactions between PCN and plants. We utilise genomics and transcriptomics and have co-led projects that sequenced the genomes of both species of PCN.

We have identified nematode proteins – effectors – that mediate the interactions between nematodes and plants, inducing susceptible responses or suppressing host defence responses. We contribute to projects aiming to identify and pyramid novel sources of resistance to PCN and to elucidate the avirulence genes that are recognised in resistant interactions.

We also investigate how the life cycle of nematodes is affected by biotic factors including the stimulation of the dormant stage of nematodes to hatch by host root exudates and the relationship between parasites of nematodes and their development, and how abiotic factors such as soil temperature affect nematode population multiplication and dormancy.

For further information on biotic stress please visit the following pages: