Nematode infection of rice: interactions with the plant host and with other pathogens
G. GHEYSEN (1) (1) Ghent University, Belgium

Our research focuses on rice (Oryza sativa) as a model plant to analyse the interaction with nematodes at the cellular and molecular level. Being underground hidden pests, nematodes are often underestimated as causes of yield loss in rice cultivation. In aerobic rice cultivation however, it is increasingly clear that Meloidogyne graminicola is one of the reasons for yield decline. An overview will be given of our molecular research on rice infection by nematodes with different life styles. Our transcriptome data show a strong and fast reduction of the plant defense system upon rice infection with the root knot nematode M. graminicola, not in local but also in systemic tissues. The strong systemic defence suppression upon root knot nematode infection leads to a significantly enhanced susceptibility for rice blast (Magnaporthe oryzae) in the above-ground tissues. Root knot nematodes indeed secrete several effectors that suppress the plant defence. In case of migratory nematode infection, a suppression of the SA pathway was detected, potentially caused by the nematodes secretion of two effectors: chorismate mutase and isochorismatase. While M. graminicola predisposes rice for rice blast disease, other pathogens such as the root fungus Pythium sp. can act antagonistically with M. graminicola infection in rice. The mechanism of this antagonism is under study.

Abstract Number: C21-1
Session Type: Concurrent