Uncovering Plant Tolerance to Cyst Nematode Infections

Summary

Plant-parasitic nematodes are major threats to global food security, causing non-specific symptoms that can easily be confused with those of abiotic stress. With the phasing out of pesticides and increasing nematode diversity, existing control methods are becoming less effective, leading to expected higher yield losses in the future. Disease tolerance, where plants are infected by pathogens without significant yield loss, is gaining importance. However, the underlying genetic mechanisms of disease tolerance remain unknown. Disease tolerance is a complex trait involving multiple interacting physiological and developmental processes (e.g., root architecture plasticity, resource allocation, tissue regeneration, and delayed senescence).

In this research, we developed a high-throughput phenotyping platform to quantify tolerance responses to nematode infections. We used this system in an exploratory manner to identify which genes contribute to this complex trait by phenotyping 150 wild ecotypes of Arabidopsis thaliana. Additionally, based on a literature review, we conducted more targeted research to determine if and how specific genes modulate disease tolerance to nematode infections. The insights into genetic and physiological responses will increase our understanding of disease tolerance and offer potential pathways for developing more resilient crops.