Population genomics supports clonal reproduction and multiple independent gains and losses of parasitic abilities in the most devastating nematode pest.

ABSTRACT: The root-knot nematodes are the most devastating worms to worldwide agriculture with Meloidogyne incognita being the most widely distributed and damaging species. This parasitic and ecological success seems surprising given its supposed obligatory clonal reproduction. Clonal reproduction has been suspected based on cytological observations but, so far, never confirmed by population genomics data. As a species, M. incognita is highly polyphagous with thousands of host plants. However, different M. incognita isolates present distinct and overlapping patterns of host compatibilities. Historically, four "host races" had been defined as a function of ranges of compatible and incompatible plants. In this study, we used population genomics to assess whether (a) reproduction i

SUBMITTER: Koutsovoulos GD 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6976969 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature