The important legacy of the paper by Jones M.J.K. (1981) Hostcell responses to endoparasitic nematode attack: structure andfunction of giant cells and syncytia. Annals of Applied Biology,97, 353-3721.

摘要

All crop plants are parasitised by one or more speciesof plant-parasitic nematodes. The worldwide economicand social impacts are severe, especially in developingcountries where loss of crops due to nematodes may bedisastrous. In addition to the detrimental effects on thegrowth of the plants, causing stunting, early senescenceand in severe cases total crop failure, the damage caused,especially to root crops, can render the produce unmar-ketable and eliminate income. Among the most eco-nomically important nematodes are those endoparasiticspecies that form complex feeding structures in the rootsof their host plants; the most damaging are the root-knot(Meloidogyne spp.) and cyst (Heterodera and Globodera spp.)nematodes. With the worldwide spread of root-knot andcyst nematodes and the current estimates of loss of cropproduction from nematodes worldwide given as US$118billion (Atkinson et al., 2012), control of these injuriouspests is imperative. In this context, the work of Jones(1981) helps us to understand how these obligate nematodes rely on the development of these specialised cellsand how we can develop management or control strategies to reduce their impact on the world’s food supply.