No description available.

No description available.

No description available.

Potato cyst nematodes (PCN) are economically relevant plant parasites that infect potato crops. The genomes of three PCN species are available and genome data have been generated for several populations of PCN, to address questions related to the molecular basis of plant parasitism. In this thesis, I employ approaches of comparative genomics to highlight differences and similarities between PCNs and other nematode species. I present two new software solutions to address challenges associated with the field of comparative genomics: BlobTools, a taxonomic interrogation toolkit for quality control of genome assemblies, and KinFin, a solution for the analysis of protein orthology data. I apply both software solutions to genomic datasets of nematodes, platyhelminths, and tardigrades. Based on KinFin analysis of plant parasitic nematodes, I identify protein families in PCNs likely to be involved in host-parasitic interaction, termed effectors, and discuss their functions. I highlight examples of horizontal gene transfer from bacteria to plant parasitic nematodes. Through genomic data of European and South American populations of PCNs, I address variation in populations, infer phylogenetic relationships, and try to estimate the effect of selection on effector genes identified through KinFin. Furthermore, I estimate the rate of variation across the reference genomes of two PCNs.

Seed tubers conditioned to 0, 200 or 400 day-degrees above 4t were grown in land infested with Q. pallida. Plants from 400 day-degree seed emerged earlier, had larger canopies and greater dry weights early in the growing season than plants from 0 day-degree seed. However, physiological ageing reduced peak percentage ground cover and advanced crop senescence so that similar quantities of solar radiation were intercepted over the whole growth period. Overall, total and ware yields were not affected much by seed tuber physiological age. The partially resistant cultivars tested were more tolerant than the non resistant cultivars but tolerance was not usually affected by physiological age of seed tubers. The effects of nematicide treatment, initial Q. pallida population density, cultivar maturity class, cultivar resistance status and planting date on nematode multiplication, plant growth and tolerance of attack by Q. pallida are discussed. Using data from a variable temperature water bath experiment, probability and regression analysis estimated mean basal temperatures for the development of Q. pallida and Q. rostochiensis at 2.5 and S.rCi least variance analysis estimates were 3.5 and 4.rC respectively. Approximately 200 day-degrees above 3.5 and 4.rC were required from the inoculation of JJ2 of Q. pallida and G. rostochiensis to the peak numbers of JJ5 found in potato roots. From a range of chemicals tested for their ability to release antigen from Q. pallida cysts, sodium hypochlorite was found to be the most effective. Released antigen was detected using polyclonal antisera and monoclonal antibodies in an ELISA test. The potential for the development of an ELISA based diagnosis test for PCN using species-specific antibodies is discussed.

The production of Jersey Royal potatoes is an important industry for the island of Jersey. The crop is grown annually, and sometimes biannually, so there is no opportunity to practise crop rotation in order to control potato cyst nematodes (PCN), Globodera pallida and G. rostochiensis. Control of these pests in Jersey has traditionally relied on the use of nematicides, but with increased public pressure to reduce the use of pesticides and the intention of the Government of Jersey to eventually ban them, there is a desire for an alternative methods of control to be developed. Three nematophagous fungi, Plectosphaerella cucumerina, Paecilomyces lilacinus and Verticillium chZamydosporium, were isolated from PCN cysts taken from potato fields in Jersey. The efficacy of these fungi for the control of PCN was studied to determine their suitability for use in an integrated pest management programme. The radial growth rates of the nematophagolls fungi were reduced when grown on media amended with the fungicides Gambit and Rizolex, commonly used for the control of Rhizoctonia solani, another major pathogen of potatoes. Radial growth of V. chlamydosporium was also inhibited by Monceren and the nematicide Vydate. Growth of R. solani was inhibited by P. lilacinus at 20°C and 10°C in vitro and by V. chlamydosporium at 20°C, but the strain of V. chlamydosporiurn used did not grow at 10°c. Plectosphaerella cucumerina was a poor saprophytic competitor when grown against R. solani, P. lilacinus and V. chlamydosporium, therefore it may not be a suitable soil applied agent as it is out grown by other fungi in the soil. Paecilomyces lilacinus in a pelleted support matrix made from an alginate, gave better control of R. solani than non-formulated P. lilacinus alone. Of the different formulations of nematophagous fungi tested in pots, P. lilacinus incorporated into alginate pellets reduced the numbers of peN by the most (79.5%) and when applied in a field trial, reduced PCN population increase by approximately 60%. Plectosphaerella cucumerina, when incorporated into alginate pellets, also reduced field population increase by approximately 60%. A combination of these two formulated fungi tested in a plunge trial gave a poorer level of control than the fungi added individually. The fungi remained viable in alginate pellets for at least 18 months. The population composition of PCN in Jersey was previously unknown. Using an ELISA technique, this study has shown both PCN species are present, but the proportions were not determined. To ascertain whether the early lifting of Jersey potatoes was selectively reducing levels of one of the species of PCN, DNA was extracted from nematodes stained in situ in the roots of potatoes. The results were inconclusive and further work is required.