Award details

The genome sequence for the potato cyst nematode Globodera pallida and its utilisation for improved control

Reference	BBS/E/C/00004911
Principal Investigator / Supervisor	Professor Brian Kerry
Co-Investigators / Co-Supervisors
Institution	Rothamsted Research
Department	Rothamsted Research Department
Funding type	Research
Value (£)	1,095
Status	Completed
Type	Institute Project
Start date	01/01/2008
End date	30/06/2011
Duration	42 months

Abstract

This project is co-ordinated by Dr Peter Urwin and brings together the nematological expertise at the University of Leeds, Rothamsted Research and the Scottish Crops Research Institute with the Wellcome Trust Sanger Centre, the largest sequencing centre in Europe. The overall aim of the project is to obtain the fully annotated genome sequence of the potato cyst nematode, Globodera pallida, which will provide a route to novel control strategies. The sequencing strategy is comprised of several stages: (1) The production of 1.9 million whole genome shotgun sequencing reads (~8 x coverage), 20,000 BAC end reads and 50,000 fosmid end reads; (2) Initial assembly into contigs; (3) Generation of linked contigs (scaffold) by automated re-sequencing (50,000 reads) from selected shotgun clones to extend the length of contigs that were truncated by the presence of, for example, GC-rich sequences and secondary structure; (4) Assembly refinement and annotation. Gene identification will be done ab initio and by experimental analysis using tiling arrays. The project will provide the information from which to identify key genes in the host parasite interactions of G. pallida and opportunities for chemical and genetic interventions for the management of this major pest. In the UK 65% of potato land is infested with potato cyst nematodes and G. pallida is present in 92% of these infestations forming the major constraint to sustainable potato production. Breeding for resistance to G. pallida over the past 50 years has produced few commercially acceptable cultivars and these are grown on <5% of the potato land. Currently, nematicides are essential for the management of potato cyst nematodes in the UK and the competitiveness of the potato industry. However, there use is under increasing pressure because of their high cost, environmental and health concerns and there are no benign alternatives. Hence, there is a need for new control strategies.

Summary

unavailable

Committee	Closed Committee - Agri-food (AF)
Research Topics	Crop Science, Plant Science
Research Priority	X – Research Priority information not available
Research Initiative	X - not in an Initiative
Funding Scheme	X – not Funded via a specific Funding Scheme

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