Chemosensory responses of plant parasitic nematodes to selected phytochemicals reveal long-Term habituation traits

Thomas R. Fleming, Aaron G. Maule, Colin C. Fleming

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

34 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Plant parasitic nematodes (PPN) are important crop pests within the global agri-sector. Critical to their success is a complex and highly sensitive chemosensory system used to locate plants by detecting host cues. In addition to this, the nematode neuronal system has evolved mechanisms to allow adaptation to a changing environment. Clearly, there is a need to better understand the host-parasite relationship and the mechanisms by which PPN successfully locate and infect host plants. Here, we demonstrate the chemotactic response of two economically important PPN species, Meloidogyne incognita and Globodera pallida to selected phytochemicals. We further reveal an adapted chemotactic response in M. incognita second-stage juveniles preexposed to ethephon (Eth), potato root diffusate (PRD), and salicylic acid (SA), and present pharmacological evidence supporting the existence of long-Term habituation traits acting via serotonergic-dependent neurotransmission.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)462-471
Number of pages10
JournalJournal of Nematology
Volume49
Issue number4
Publication statusPublished - 01 Dec 2017

Keywords

  • Behavior
  • Bioassay
  • Biological Control
  • Chemosensory
  • Chemotaxis
  • Globodera Pallida
  • Habituation
  • Meloidogyne Incognita
  • Phytochemicals
  • Serotonin.

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Agronomy and Crop Science

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