Deciphering virulence dynamics in potato cyst nematodes to detect and counteract resistance breakdown

The Netherlands is a true potato country, but production is threatened by potato cyst nematodes. These microscopic worms live in the soil and invade potato roots, extracting nutrients and causing plants to become small, yellow, and unproductive. Farmers use resistant potato varieties to control these pests. In our research, we found that 26 Dutch resistant varieties all rely on the same source of resistance against Globodera pallida, making it easier for them to adapt. We simulated this adaptation process in the greenhouse and analysed the DNA of different nematode populations to understand how resistance is broken. For one gene, which we named Gp-pat-1, we showed that it reduces reproduction on resistant potatoes. Using these insights, we developed a rapid DNA test (qPCR) to predict how harmful a nematode population is. This helps farmers and breeders to make better decisions and reduce yield losses. We also demonstrated that a new resistance from Solanum sparsipilum is promising for controlling damaging populations.