Comparing genomes of (a)virulent inbred lines of the cyst nematode Globodera rostochiensis regarding the potato resistance gene H1

Two common potato cyst nematodes, Globodera rostochiensis and G. pallida, largely reduce potato production worldwide. Juveniles of potato cyst nematodes have a protrusible stylet that delivers a mixture of effector proteins into selected root cells. Effectors enable the nematode to penetrate the plant, to suppress host-immunity, and to form a feeding site. Due to their limited mobility and their long generation time, host plant resistances are an effective and durable means to manage potato cyst nematodes. The potato resistance gene H1 was introgressed in the late 1960ies into commercial potato cultivars, and has been highly effective in managing two pathotypes of G. rostochiensis for decades. In the past, we generated two nematode inbred lines that are either fully virulent or avirulent with regard to H1. For both lines, high-quality genome assemblies were created using PacBio sequencing. By comparing the effector gene families in both inbred lines, we aim to discover effector variants that are responsible for gain of virulence.
Ultimately, insights on effector variants are essential in our understanding why host plant resistance proteins loose resistance against certain potato cyst nematode populations. This understanding may provide ways to develop new breeding strategies and hence reduce the damages caused by these pathogens in a specific and environmentally sound manner.