Periodic Reporting for period 1 - NemHatch (Unlocking mechanisms of cyst Nematode Hatching for sustainable cyst nematode control) Reporting period: 2019-02-01 to 2021-01-31 Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project Cyst nematodes worldwide attack agricultural crops such as potato, sugar beet, rice and soybean and cause large losses in their yield. There is a great need for developing new control methods for cyst nematodes because 1) resistance in cultivars is overcome, 2) crop rotation is problematic and 3) most of the nematicides are banned. Plant roots secrete triterpenoid-like signaling molecules into the soil that are known to induce hatching of cyst nematodes, called hatching stimulants (HSs). In NemHatch, I will develop a new strategy to control cyst nematodes by manipulating the signaling relation – mediated by the HSs - between the host plant and the cyst nematodes.The overall goal of NemHatch was to generate the knowledge required for a new strategy to control cyst nematodes in agricultural crops by manipulating the signaling relation – mediated by the hatching stimulants - between the host plant and the cyst nematodes. Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far 1. HS was detected in about 20% of over 300 Petota accessions; some zero HS genotypes still induced high hatching suggesting an unknown hatching stimulant.2. Analysis with our new ultrasensitive analytical method demonstrated variation in HS production in cultivated genotypes.3. The QTL for HS production is interesting and candidate genes were selected.4. HS production is influenced by eviromental conditions. Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far) For the first-time I detected the hatching stimulant in wild potato species. Under elevated temperature/climate change and low fertilizer input, the parasitic nematode activity may change Plant-cyst nematode interaction through signaling molecules. Picture was created in biorender.com.
