Plant-parasitic nematodes are among the most destructive plant pathogens, causing enormous losses to agronomic crops worldwide. This book provides an up-to-date review of research related to two of the most important nematode pests, root-knot and cyst nematodes. Chapters cover early plant-nematode interactions, identification of nematode proteins important in the establishment of nematode feeding sites, and classification of biochemical and signaling pathways significant in the development of specialized feeding sites in the host. The cellular and subcellular structures essential for the parasitic interaction are examined by light and electron microscopy. Modern techniques of gene expression analyses and genomic sequencing are poised to provide an even greater wealth of information to researchers, enabling them to develop and examine natural and manmade mechanisms of resistance to this important plant pest.

Current reviews of the cellular and molecular biology of cyst and root-knot nematode parasitism

Plant Infection by Root-Knot Nematode.- Parasitism Genes: What They Reveal about Parasitism.- Molecular Insights in the Susceptible Plant Response to Nematode Infection.- Resistant Plant Responses.- Development of the Root-Knot Nematode Feeding Cell.- Structure of Cyst Nematode Feeding Sites.- Transcriptomic Analysis of Nematode Infestation.- Genomic Analysis of the Root-Knot Nematode Genome.- Molecular Approaches Toward Resistance to Plant-Parasitic Nematodes.