In 1992 a Concerted Action Programme (CAP) was initiated by Peter Sijmons with the purpose of intensifying collaborations between 16 European laboratories working on plant-parasitic nematodes. The four-year programme entitled `Resistance mechanisms against plant-parasitic nematodes' focused on molecular aspects of the interaction between sedentary nematodes and plants on the model system Arabidopsis and on novel resistance strategies. Funding was provided mainly for exchange visits between collaborating laboratories and for the organization of annual meetings. During the last annual meeting which was held in May 1996 in Toledo, Spain, Carmen Fenoll initiated the production of this volume. The book presents a series of up-to-date reviews, each written by one of the participating laboratories, which include the scientific progress achieved in the frame of this CAP but are by no means limited in scope to this work.

Advances in Botanical Research publishes in-depth and up-to-date reviews on a wide range of topics in plant sciences. Currently in its 73rd volume, the series features several reviews by recognized experts on all aspects of plant genetics, biochemistry, cell biology, molecular biology, physiology and ecology. This thematic volume features reviews on molecular and developmental aspects of the compatible plant-nematode interaction. The contributors all actively work in the field of molecular genetics and genomics of plant parasitic nematodes and nematode feeding sites. Reviews focus on molecular and physiological aspects of nematode feeding site development and includes specific chapters on nematode effectors as well as plant responses. Publishes in-depth and up-to-date reviews on a wide range of topics in plant sciences This volume features reviews of the fast moving field of compatible interaction between plants and sedentary endo-parasitic nematodes A strong focus on molecular and physiological aspects of nematode feeding site development and includes specific chapters on nematode effectors as well as plant responses

Plant-parasitic nematodes are among the most destructive plant pathogens, causing enormous losses to agronomic crops worldwide. This book provides an up-to-date review of research related to two of the most important nematode pests, root-knot and cyst nematodes. Chapters cover early plant-nematode interactions, identification of nematode proteins important in the establishment of nematode feeding sites, and classification of biochemical and signaling pathways significant in the development of specialized feeding sites in the host. The cellular and subcellular structures essential for the parasitic interaction are examined by light and electron microscopy. Modern techniques of gene expression analyses and genomic sequencing are poised to provide an even greater wealth of information to researchers, enabling them to develop and examine natural and manmade mechanisms of resistance to this important plant pest.

Plant parasitic nematodes are a main pest to crops. For ex am pie, the root-knot nematodes belonging to the genus Meloidogyne are worldwide in their distribution and attack almost every type of crop, causing considerable losses of yield and affecting quality of produce. The cyst nematodes within the genera Globodera and Heterodera constitute a major group of plant pathogens in many countries throughout the world, suppressing yields of potato, sugar beet, soybean and cereals. Several nematodes such as longidorids and trichodorids are implicated in the transmission of numerous plant viruses. Many others cause constraints to agricultural production either locally or on large areas. However, despite their economic importance (they account for worldwide crop reduction in excess of 10%), plant parasitic nematodes are still poorly understood, because most of them are obligate parasites of roots. Environmental concerns over the agricultural use of pesticides demand the development of alternative measures to control them. To achieve environmentally sound control, knowledge of the basic biology of nematodes must be expanded. Important research areas include understanding the molecular bases for pathogenicity, the molecular mechanisms of the host parasite interactions and the genetic bases for population fluctuations. The workshop has, for the first time, brought together an international group of researchers using molecular approaches to study plant parasitic nematodes and their host responses.

This book is a treatise on microbial ecology that covers traditional and cutting-edge issues in the ecology of microbes in the biosphere. It emphasizes on study tools, microbial taxonomy and the fundamentals of microbial activities and interactions within their communities and environment as well as on the related food web dynamics and biogeochemical cycling. The work exceeds the traditional domain of microbial ecology by revisiting the evolution of cellular prokaryotes and eukaryotes and stressing the general principles of ecology. The overview of the topics, authored by more than 80 specialists, is one of the broadest in the field of environmental microbiology. The overview of the topics, authored by more than 80 specialists, is one of the broadest in the field of environmental microbiology.