Comparative Genomics of Apomictic Root-Knot Nematodes: Hybridization, Ploidy, and Dynamic Genome Change.

ABSTRACT: The root-knot nematodes (genus Meloidogyne) are important plant parasites causing substantial agricultural losses. The Meloidogyne incognita group (MIG) of species, most of which are obligatory apomicts (mitotic parthenogens), are extremely polyphagous and important problems for global agriculture. While understanding the genomic basis for their variable success on different crops could benefit future agriculture, analyses of their genomes are challenging due to complex evolutionary histories that may incorporate hybridization, ploidy changes, and chromosomal fragmentation. Here, we sequence 19 genomes, representing five species of key root-knot nematodes collected from different geographic origins. We show that a hybrid origin that predated speciation within the MIG has resulted in each s

SUBMITTER: Szitenberg A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5737495 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature