I. Functional genomics:

• Functional characterization of root-knot nematode genes – specifically, genes that encode secreted proteins; genes involved in the development of embryo, larva, intestine, neuromuscular system.
• Identification of nematode-responsive root-specific plant promoters

II. Identification of minimum sequence similarity required for RNAi response in root-knot nematodes

III. Demonstration of proof-of-principle in crops: Test whether nematode-specific dsRNA expression in tomato (A) and field pea (B) will elicit RNAi in root-knot nematodes

Validated functional information on genes essential for the development and parasitism of root-knot nematodes.

• Nematode-responsive root-specific plant promoters.
• Features of dsRNA, which are critical for RNAi induction in root-knot nematodes.
• Demonstration of proof-of-principle of a novel strategy based on RNAi for the management of nematode pests in vegetables and pulses.

The most important outcome of the project is that the consortium will have demonstrated a novel method for large-scale discovery of plant-parasitic nematode gene functions. This is particularly important as there are no suitable methods currently available for this purpose.

• New fundamental knowledge on 1) genes involved in the various aspects of root-knot nematode development, and 2) genes that enable the nematode to enter, migrate through and establish feeding site within, the root.
• Identification of root-specific nematode-responsive plant promoters, which will be invaluable for developing nematode management strategies.
• Demonstration of a novel strategy for the management of nematode pests in vegetables and pulses.
• Well-trained human resource in the frontier technologies such as RNAi.
• The genes and promoters identified will be the property of ICAR and collaborating institutions. Patent rights will be protected.