Improved Root-Knot Nematode Resistance and Developmental Traits of Tomato Plants
The Problem
Root knot nematodes (RKNs) are devastating plant pathogens which are estimated to cause a worldwide annual yield loss of more than $170 billion across over 2000 commercial plant species (with yield loss up to 50% possible under heavy infection). M. incognita, the most devastating plant-parasitic nematode species, is responsible for forming knot-like structures known as galls, that affect tomato plants, among other crops. Most current methods of RKN management are either toxic and environmentally damaging or rely upon a single dominant gene with reduced resistance in warmer climates.
The Solution
Researchers at the University of Tennessee have discovered tomato proteins that interact with RKN effector proteins in sustaining nematode parasitism and have found that silencing several of these genes significantly increases tomato resistance to RKN. Importantly, silencing two genes not only increased plant resistance to nematode infection but also increased plant development and root growth. This discovery allows for development of non-GMO tomato lines resistant to RKN using CRISPR-Cas9 approach with enhanced plant growth and developmental traits.
Benefits
Benefit |
---|
Ability to significantly reduce yield loss to RKN infection through increased control and understanding of plant susceptibility genes targeted by nematodes. |
Cost-efficient. over conventional nematode-control methods like chemical nematicides and soil fumigation. |
Non-toxic, environmentally-conscious management strategy, and not reliant upon a single gene. |
Ability to adapt technology for reducing yield loss in other plant species and crops. |
More Information
- Tyler Newton, M.S.
- Assistant Technology Manager, Multi Campus Office
- 865-974-1882 | cnewto12@tennessee.edu
- UTRF Reference ID: 21166
- Patent Status:

Innovators
Dr. Tarek Hewezi

Professor, Plant Sciences, UTK-UTIA
Dr. Tarek Hewezi is a Professor of Plant Molecular Biology in the Department of Plant Sciences. Dr. Hewezi earned his B.S. and M.S. degrees from the Department of Crop Sciences at Menoufia University, Egypt. He was awarded his doctorate in Plant Biosciences from the “Institut National Polytechnique de Toulouse” in France. Following his Ph.D., Dr. Hewezi accepted a postdoctoral position at Génoplante-INP-ENSAT in France, where he worked in the area of sunflower functional genomics. He then joined the Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology at Iowa State University, initially as a Postdoctoral Research Associate and later as an Associate Scientist. His research focus at Iowa State University was the molecular and biochemical characterization of the compatible interaction between cyst nematodes and host plants.
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