Ethylene Effect on Soybean Root Infection By Soybean Cyst Nematodes |

ABSTRACT:

Nematodes, specifically cyst nematodes, are themost damaging pest to US soybean production (Wratherand Koenning, 2006). With an increasing number of acres planted withsoybean and new varieties being developed to geographicallybroaden profitable cultivation of soybean in the USand across the world, the continued study of this devastatingpest is of the utmost importance. Soybean cystnematodes (SCN) are obligate parasites that can alter rootcell development to support its nutritional and reproductive needs(Williamson and Gleason, 2003; Davis et al., 2004). The localizedcommandeering of plant developmental processes by thenematode requires interactions with the host that involve changesin host gene expression. A number of studies have demonstratedthat both root knot and cyst nematodes may alter thebalance of plant hormones to achieve the cellular conditionsneeded for development of the feeding structure. In particular,auxin and ethylene may play important roles in the formationof the nematode feeding structure (Goverse et al.,2000; Wubben et al.,2001). Alteration in the localized balance ofthese two hormones would be expected to have a marked impact ongene expression, irrespective of any other factors that mightalso affect gene expression.