Plant Science

Biography

Biography: Deyou Ye

Abstract

Root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) cause serious threat to cucumber production throughout the world. Cucumis metuliferus, a relative of cucumber, is reported to be resistant to Meloidogyne incognita. However, the underlying resistance mechanism remains unclear. Here the response of resistant C. metuliferus strain CmR07 following the nematode infection was studied in comparison with susceptible C. sativus cv. Jinlv No.3. Roots of selected Cucumis seedings were analysed using histological and biochemical techniques. Transcriptome changes of the resistant reaction were investigated by RNA-seq. Our present results showed that penetration and development of the nematode in resistant plant were reduced when compared to susceptible plant. Infection of resistant genotype with M. incognita resulted in a hypersensitive reaction. The induction of phenylalanine ammonia lyase and peroxidase activities after infection was greater in resistant roots compared with the susceptible one. Several most relevant genes from the phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, plant hormone signal transduction and plant-pathogen interaction pathway that are involved in resistance to the nematode were significantly altered. The resistance in CmR07 to M. incognita is associated with reduced nematode penetration, retardation of nematode development and hypersensitive necrosis. The expression of genes resulting in the deposition of lignin, toxic compounds synthesis, suppression of nematode feeding and resistance protein accumulation, and activation of several transcription factors, all which might contribute to the resistance response to the pest. These results would lead to a better understanding the resistance mechanism and aid in the identification of potential targets resistant to the pest for cucumber genetic improvement.