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The occurrence, distribution, and rapid molecular detection technology of Heterodera zeae Koshy et al. 1971, have been reported in China. We explored the biological characteristics of H. zeae sampled in Henan Province, China to understand its interaction with plants. Cysts and second-stage juveniles (J2s) were identified under an optical and scanning electron microscope, internal transcribed spacer (ITS) phylogenetic tree, and sequence characterized amplified region (SCAR)-PCR analyses. The optimum hatching temperatures of H. zeae were 30°C and 28°C, with cumulative hatching rates of 16.5 and 16.1%, respectively, at 30 days post-hatching (dph). The hatching rate of H. zeae eggs was improved by 20- and 50-time maize soil leachate and root juice, and 10-time root exudates. The hatching rate in 10-time root exudates was the highest (25.9%). The 10-time root exudates of maize and millet produced the highest hatching rate at 30 dph (25.9 and 22.9%, respectively), followed by wheat (19.9%), barley (18.3%), and rice (17.6%). Heterodera zeae developed faster in maize than in other crops. Fourth-stage juveniles (J4s) were detected in maize roots 8 days post-inoculation (dpi) at 28°C but not in other crops. Combined with hatching tests, the Huang–Huai–Hai summer maize region and the south and central-southwest mountainous maize areas are highly suitable for H. zeae in China. This is the first systematically study of the hatching and infection characteristics on different plant hosts of corn cyst nematode H. zeae in temperate regions. This study laid a theoretical foundation for the rapid spread and high environmental adaptability of corn cyst nematode.

Summary: The use of non-host cover crops can be a viable strategy for managing soybean cyst nematode (SCN) Heterodera glycines. Cover crops may affect SCN biology and reduce populations by acting as trap crops that promote the hatching and/or penetration by second-stage juveniles (J2) without supporting their development. Two growth chamber experiments were conducted to assess ten cover crops for their impacts on SCN hatching and penetration into the roots. For each experiment, with four replications per treatment, crops were planted in naturally-infested soil in two separate sets to be harvested 15 and 30 days after planting (DAP). SCN susceptible soybean 'Barnes' and non-planted natural soil (fallow) were used as controls. Faba bean 'Petite', a non-host of SCN, induced the greatest hatching among the cover crops and was statistically similar to soybean. Winter rye 'ND Dylan' also induced significant hatching compared to fallow. Root staining revealed that the highest number of J2 penetrated the faba bean roots at 15 DAP, followed by soybean and winter rye. While J2 penetrated all tested crops, they completed their development to become adult females only in soybean and turnip. Soybean cyst nematode development to adult females did not occur in faba bean, and the number of SCN inside the faba bean roots 30 DAP was significantly lower than at 15 DAP and also lower than in soybean. These results suggest that the faba bean affects SCN biology and has the greatest potential to act as a trap crop for managing SCN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The heterochronic genes of Caenorhabditis elegans comprise the best-studied pathway controlling the timing of tissue and organ formation in an animal. To begin to understand the evolution of this pathway and the significance of the relationships among its components, we characterized 11 Caenorhabditis briggsae orthologs of C. elegans heterochronic genes. Using CRISPR/Cas9, we made a variety of alleles and found that several mutant phenotypes differ in significant ways from those of C. elegans. Although most mutant orthologs displayed defects in developmental timing, their phenotypes could differ in which stages were affected, the penetrance and expressivity of the phenotypes, or by having additional pleiotropies that were not obviously connected to developmental timing. However, when examining pairwise epistasis and synergistic relationships, we found those paralleled the known relationships between their C. elegans orthologs, suggesting that the arrangements of these genes in functional modules are conserved, but the modules’ relationships to each other and/or to their targets has drifted since the time of the species’ last common ancestor. Furthermore, our investigation has revealed a relationship between this pathway to other aspects of the animal’s growth and development, including gonad development, which is relevant to both species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Pseudomonas fluorescens, strains L124, L228, L321, and the positive control strain F113 used in this study, produce compounds associated with plant growth promotion, biocontrol, antimicrobial and antiviral activity, and adaptation to stresses. These bacterial strains were tested in vitro and in vivo in tomato plants, to determine their potential role in Meloidogyne javanica suppression. In laboratory experiments, only 2% of M. javanica eggs hatched when exposed to the metabolites of each bacterial strain. Additionally, 100% M. javanica J2 mortality was recorded when nematodes were exposed to the metabolites of F113 and L228. In greenhouse experiments, M. javanica infected tomato plants, which were also inoculated with the bacterial strains F113 and L124, displayed the highest biomass (height, number of leaves, fresh and dry weight) of all bacterial treatments tested. Results from the development and induced systemic resistance experiments indicated that the bacterial strains F113 and L321 had the most effective biocontrol capacity over nematode infection, delayed nematode development (J3/J4, adults and galls), and reduced nematode fecundity. In addition, these results indicated that the bacterial strain L124 is an effective plant growth promoter of tomato plants. Furthermore, it was determined that the bacterial strain L321 was capable of M. javanica biocontrol. P. fluorescens F113 was effective at both increasing tomato plant biomass and M. javanica biocontrol. In an agricultural context, applying successional drenches with these beneficial plant growth promoting rhizobacteria would ensure bacteria viability in the rhizosphere of the plants, encourage positive plant bacterial interactions and increase biocontrol against M. javanica.

The root-knot nematode Meloidogyne graminicola is considered one of the most devastating pests in rice-producing areas, and nematicides are neither ecofriendly nor cost effective. More acceptable biological agents are required for controlling this destructive pathogen. In this study, the biocontrol potential of Aspergillus welwitschiae AW2017 was investigated in laboratory and greenhouse experiments. The in vitro ovicidal and larvicidal activities of A. welwitschiae metabolites were tested on M. graminicola in laboratory experiments. The effect of A. welwitschiae on the attraction of M. graminicola to rice and the infection of rice by M. graminicola was evaluated in a greenhouse. The bioagent AW2017 displayed good nematicidal potential via its ovicidal and larvicidal action. The best larvicidal activity was observed at a concentration of 5×AW2017, which caused an 86.2% mortality rate at 48 h post inoculation. The highest ovicidal activity was recorded at a concentration of 5×AW2017, which resulted in an approximately 47.3% reduction in egg hatching after 8 d compared to the control. Under greenhouse conditions, the application of A. welwitschiae significantly reduced the root galls and nematodes in rice roots compared to the control. At a concentration of 5×AW2017, juveniles and root galls in rice roots at 14 d post inoculation (dpi) were reduced by 24.5 and 40.5%, respectively. In addition, the attraction of M. graminicola to rice roots was significantly decreased in the AW2017 treatment, and the development of nematodes in the AW2017-treated plants was slightly delayed compared with that in the PDB-treated control plants. The results indicate that A. welwitschiae is a potential biological control agent against M. graminicola in rice.

Dicers and dicer-like enzymes play an essential role in small RNA processing in eukaryotes. Nematodes are thought to encode one dicer, DCR-1; only that for Caenorhabditis spp. is well-characterised. Using genomic sequences of eight root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.), we identified putative coding sequences typical of eukaryotic DICERS. We noted that the primary and secondary structures of DICERS they encode were different for different Meloidogyne species and even for isolates of the same species, suggesting paralogy for the gene. One of the genes for M. incognita (Midcr-1.1) expressed in eggs, juvenile stage 2 and adults, with the highest expression in the adult females. All the Meloidogyne DICERS had seven major domains typical of those for Caenorhabditis spp. and humans with very similar protein folding. RNAi of Midcr-1.1 in J2s using seven dsRNAs, each based on sequences encoding the domains, induced mild paralysis but measurable knockdown was detected in J2s treated with five of the dsRNAs. For four of the dsRNAs, the RNAi effect lasted and reduced the nematode's infectivity. Also, host plant delivery of dsRNAs complementary to coding sequences of the Dicer Dimerisation domain impaired development, reducing nematode infection by 71%. These results confirm the importance of the gene to nematode health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract In this study, we analyzed the nematode-bacteria-plant interaction by using bacteriovorus nematodes isolated from maize rhizosphere and plant growth promoting rhizobacteria to evaluate their effect on plant growth and root development of maize and Arabidopsis thaliana. Two bacterial feeding nematodes, identified as Oscheius tipulae and Mesorhabditis sp., displayed distinct attraction patterns for seven rhizosphere bacteria with a strong bias towards Rhizobium strains. We tested the effect of these two nematodes on both plant growth and root morphology using native Zea mays and found that the co-inoculation of Rhizobium phaseoli Ch24-10, a plant growth promoter, and maize rhizosphere nematodes, increased dry weight of corn plants compared to plants treated only with bacteria or the nematode. Additionally, we found that the nematodes reduced the weight and length of the primary root and increased the number of emerging lateral roots. We further analyzed the effect of nematodes and bacteria using the model plant A. thaliana and observed similar effects on roots as those found in native corn. Nematodes reduced the primary root growth and increased the number of emerging lateral roots. The model nematode Caenorhabditis elegans N2 alone had no effect on A. thaliana plants, it became capable of affecting root morphology when fed with Acinetobacter pittii, which was originally isolated from the maize rhizosphere nematodes. Our results suggest a synergistic effect of nematodes and their associated bacteria both in plant development and root morphology, highlighting the importance of nematode-bacteria interactions in shaping plant growth and root morphology. A model of nematodes as Trojan horses carrying bacteria is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seed germination pouches or seedling growth pouches have been utilised previously for high throughput resistance screening of root-knot nematodes, Meloidogyne spp., on legume plants. In this study we demonstrated that soybean cyst nematode (SCN) Heterodera glycines , with a different reproduction mode from root-knot nematode, is also able to invade, complete its life cycle and reproduce in soybean roots in seedling pouches similar to the pot system with soil, indicating seedling pouches can be utilised as an alternate SCN culture method when glasshouse/growth chamber space is limited. Moreover, seedling pouches provide an easy approach to collect large numbers of clean male nematodes, which could accelerate SCN biological study such as SCN mating behaviour and molecular signals associated with mating. The results of SCN resistance screening indicate that seedling pouches could be utilised for initial resistance screening with SCN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ability to identify familiar foods is a major driver of animal feeding behavior. Animals show preference for familiar foods over novel ones, presumably to avoid poisonous substances and better support their growth and reproduction. However, we do not know how their feeding behavior is affected when the familiar food is inferior to a novel food with regards to its palatability and nutritional properties. We tested the hypothesis that feeding preference is determined by specific food characteristics rather than food familiarity with fast-growing soil-dwelling nematodes. Two sequential experiments were designed to test the feeding behavior of soil bacterial-feeding nematodes ( Mesorhabditis sp. and Acrobeloides sp.) resulting from familiar food recognition, including a 6-months training period to develop their food familiarity and a feeding experiment to test their food preference for five bacterial species. Nematodes showed clear preference for specific food sources, which were not necessarily the familiar food. Their feeding behavior was not affected by food familiarity, but correlated highly with bacterial traits such as cell size, growth rates, and water content. We conclude that nematode feeding behavior was controlled by food specificity rather than familiarity. We further suggest that physiological factors, possibly the physical size and presence of chemical receptors in the buccal cavity, allow nematodes to rapidly assess their food supply and switch from a familiar food to a preferred, novel food that is easier to ingest and better suited to support their growth and reproduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here we report the toxicological evaluation of mesoporous silica particles (MSPs) in the nematode C. elegans . Specifically, we have investigated the effect of bare micro- ( M0 ) and nano-sized ( N0 ) MSPs, and their corresponding functionalized particles with a starch derivative ( Glu-N ) ( M1 and N1 , respectively) on C. elegans ageing parameters. The toxicity of MSPs, their impact on C. elegans lifespan, movement capacity, progeny and ability to survive upon exposure to acute oxidative stress were assessed. This study demonstrated that both size particles assayed ( M0 and N0 ), labeled with rhodamine and monitored through fluorescence microscopy, are ingested by the nematode. Moreover, toxicity assays indicated that bare nano-sized particles ( N0 ) have a negative impact on the C. elegans lifespan, reducing mobility and progeny production. By contrast, micro-sized particles ( M0 ) proved innocuous for the nematodes. Furthermore, functionalization of nanoparticles with starch derivative reduced their toxicity in C. elegans . Thus, oral intake of N1 comparatively increased the mean lifespan and activity rates as well as resistance to oxidative stress. The overall findings presented here demonstrate the influence of MSP size and surface on their potential toxicity in vivo and indicate the silica-based mesoporous particles to be a potential support for encapsulation in oral delivery applications. Furthermore, the good correlation obtained between healthy aging variables and viability (mean lifespan) validates the use of C. elegans as a multicellular organism for nanotoxicology studies of MSPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key message: After initial up-regulation, expression of TUBG1 and TUBG2 is significantly down-regulated in mature syncytia, but lack of expression of either of γ-tubulin genes reduces numbers of nematode infections and developing females.Abstract: Infective second stage juveniles of sedentary plant parasitic nematode Heterodera schachtii invade the root vascular tissue and induce a feeding site, named syncytium, formed as a result of cell hypertrophy and partial cell wall dissolution leading to a multinucleate state. Syncytium formation and maintenance involves a molecular interplay between the plant host and the developing juveniles leading to rearrangements and fragmentation of the plant cytoskeleton. In this study, we investigated the role of two Arabidopsis γ-tubulin genes (TUBG1 and TUBG2), involved in MTs nucleation during syncytium development. Expression analysis revealed that both γ-tubulin’s transcript levels changed during syncytium development and after initial up-regulation (1-3 dpi) they were significantly down-regulated in 7, 10 and 15 dpi syncytia. Moreover, TUBG1 and TUBG2 showed distinct immunolocalization patterns in uninfected roots and syncytia. Although no severe changes in syncytium anatomy and ultrastructure in tubg1-1 and tubg2-1 mutants were observed compared to syncytia induced in wild-type plants, nematode infection assays revealed reduced numbers of infecting juveniles and developed female nematodes in mutant lines. Our results indicate that the expression of both TUBG1 and TUBG2 genes, although generally down-regulated in mature syncytia, is essential for successful root infection, development of functional syncytium and nematode maturation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ovomermis sinensis is a potentially-valuable nematode for controlling insect pests. The parasitic stage of the nematode absorbs nutrients in its host’s hemolymph to maintain its growth development and then kills the host when it emerges. At present, little known about its reproductive development, particularly the responsible molecular mechanism. More detailed research on the genes of reproductive development will not only help us understand the mechanisms underlying sex differentiation in the nematode, but would also be valuable for successfully cultivating them in vitro and using them for biocontrol. In this study, we used the homology cloning method to clone the full-length cDNA of a DEAD-box family gene (Oslaf-1) from O. sinensis. Then, using qRT-PCR technology to detect the expression pattern of the Oslaf-1 gene at different development stages and tissues, the gene was found to be highly expressed in the post-parasitic stage (P < 0.01) and ovarian (P < 0.05) of O. sinensis. Western blot analysis showed the same result that the gene is associated with gonadal development and function, but is not gonad-specific. In situ hybridization further demonstrated that the gene is widely expressed in early embryos and is mainly distributed in the gonadal area. However, the signal was mainly concentrated in the reproductive primordia in pre-parasitic juveniles. RNA interference (RNAi) studies revealed that the sex ratio of O. sinensis soaked in dsRNA of Oslaf-1 was not statistically different than the gfp dsRNA treated groups. Our results suggest that Oslaf-1 may play a vital role in the reproductive systems of the nematode. In addition, we speculate that the Oslaf-1 gene plays an important role during embryonic development and that it occurs and develops in the gonads of pre-parasitic juveniles of O. sinensis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Long‐term observations of ecological communities are necessary for generating and testing predictions of ecosystem responses to climate change. We investigated temporal trends and spatial patterns of soil fauna along similar environmental gradients in three sites of the McMurdo Dry Valleys, Antarctica, spanning two distinct climatic phases: a decadal cooling trend from the early 1990s through the austral summer of February 2001, followed by a shift to the current trend of warming summers and more frequent discrete warming events. After February 2001, we observed a decline in the dominant species (the nematode Scottnema lindsayae) and increased abundance and expanded distribution of less common taxa (rotifers, tardigrades, and other nematode species). Such diverging responses have resulted in slightly greater evenness and spatial homogeneity of taxa. However, total abundance of soil fauna appears to be declining, as positive trends of the less common species so far have not compensated for the declining numbers of the dominant species. Interannual variation in the proportion of juveniles in the dominant species was consistent across sites, whereas trends in abundance varied more. Structural equation modeling supports the hypothesis that the observed biological trends arose from dissimilar responses by dominant and less common species to pulses of water availability resulting from enhanced ice melt. No direct effects of mean summer temperature were found, but there is evidence of indirect effects via its weak but significant positive relationship with soil moisture. Our findings show that combining an understanding of species responses to environmental change with long‐term observations in the field can provide a context for validating and refining predictions of ecological trends in the abundance and diversity of soil fauna. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deep-sea community attributes vary at a range of spatial scales. However, identifying the scale at which environmental factors affect variability in deep-sea communities remains difficult, as few studies have been designed in such a way as to allow meaningful comparisons across more than two spatial scales. In the present study, we investigated nematode diversity, community structure and trophic structure at different spatial scales (sediment depth (cm), habitat (seamount, canyon, continental slope; 1–100 km), and geographic region (100–10000 km)), while accounting for the effects of water depth, in two regions on New Zealand’s continental margin. The greatest variability in community attributes was found between sediment depth layers and between regions, which explained 2–4 times more variability than habitats. The effect of habitat was consistently stronger in the Hikurangi Margin than the Bay of Plenty for all community attributes, whereas the opposite pattern was found in the Bay of Plenty where effect of sediment depth was greater in Bay of Plenty. The different patterns at each scale in each region reflect the differences in the environmental variables between regions that control nematode community attributes. Analyses suggest that nematode communities are mostly influenced by sediment characteristics and food availability, but that disturbance (fishing activity and bioturbation) also accounts for some of the observed patterns. The results provide new insight on the relative importance of processes operating at different spatial scales in regulating nematode communities in the deep-sea, and indicate potential differences in vulnerability to anthropogenic disturbance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Protein kinase RIOK-1 is a non-ribosomal factor essential for rRNA cleavage and ribosome small subunit maturation. It is encoded in all eukaryotic organisms. The RIOK-1 encoding gene of Caenorhabditis elegans ( Ce-riok-1 ) is expressed in the neuronal and reproductive systems in larvae and adults of this free-living nematode, and it supports larval growth and development of the adult gonad. In spite of its recognised roles in model organisms such as C. elegans , little is known about the function of this molecule in parasitic nematodes. In a previous study, we characterised the structure, transcriptional profiles and in vivo transcriptional expression patterns of the Ss-riok-1 of human and canine parasitic nematode Strongyloides stercoralis . Here, we extend previous work to undertake functional studies, using transgenesis to assess the roles of Ss -RIOK-1 in the development of S. stercoralis . The results revealed that recombinant Ss -RIOK-1 with D282A mutation at its catalytic site lost its kinase phosphorylation activity in vitro . Both wild-type and mutant Ss -RIOK-1s were expressed in the cytoplasm of neurons and some hypodermal cells in the wild-type strain (UPD) of S. stercoralis . Larvae expressing the dominant negative mutant Ss -RIOK-1 that lost the catalytic activity had a decreased mobility and a severe defect in development to the infective L3 stage. Our findings demonstrated that Ss -RIOK-1 is essential for the development and survival of free-living larvae of S. stercoralis , and that catalytic activity is essential for its function in the parasitic nematode. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pine wood nematode, Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, is the causal agent of pine wilt disease. This nematode has two developmental forms in its life cycle; i.e., the propagative and dispersal forms. The former is the form that builds up its population inside the host pine. The latter is specialized for transport by the vector. This form is separated into two dispersal stages (third and fourth); the third-stage dispersal juvenile (JIII) is specialized for survival under unfavorable conditions, whereas the fourth-stage juvenile (JIV), which is induced by a chemical signal from the carrier Monochamus beetle, is transported to new host pines and invades them. Because of its importance in the disease cycle, molecular and chemical aspects of the JIV have been investigated, while the mechanism of JIII induction has not been sufficiently investigated. In an effort to clarify the JIII induction process, we established inbred lines of B. xylophilus and compared their biological features. We found that the total number of nematodes (propagation proportion) was negatively correlated with the JIII emergence proportion, likely because nematode development was arrested at JIII; i.e., they could not develop to adults via the reproductive stage. In addition, JIII induction seemed to be regulated by a small number of genes because the JIII induction proportion varied among inbred lines despite the high homozygosity of the parental line. We also demonstrated that JIII can be artificially induced by the nematode’s secreted substances. This is the first report of artificial induction of JIII in B. xylophilus. The dauer (dispersal) juvenile of the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans corresponds functionally to JIII of B. xylophilus, and this stage is known to be induced by a chemical signal referred to as daumone, derived from the nematodes’ secretion. The artificial induction of JIII suggests the presence of daumone-like material in B. xylophilus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gene silencing using RNAi is a powerful tool for functional analysis of nematode genes and can provide a new strategy for the management of root-knot nematodes. The transcript of the venom allergen-like protein gene ( Mhi-vap-1) of Meloidogyne hispanica is localized in the subventral oesophageal gland cells of second-stage juveniles (J2) and the gene is highly transcribed in this developmental nematode stage. The purpose of this study was to assess whether the silencing of the Mhi-vap-1 gene could affect nematode attraction to roots, penetration, development and reproduction in tomato plants. The optimum soaking time to generate silencing of this gene was determined by quantitative RT- PCR analysis of the relative expression of the Mhi-vap-1 gene in the J2 incubated with the soaking solution for 24, 32 and 48 h. At 48 h, the relative expression of Mhi-vap-1 decreased, which indicates that this period of time is optimum to silence this nematode gene using the RNAi method. Silencing of the Mhi-vap-1 gene interfered with the completion of the nematode life cycle and caused a reduction in nematode attraction to roots, penetration and infection of plants. A small difference in the number of females and galls formed was also observed, which caused a small decrease in the nematode reproduction factor. The use of RNAi silencing of the Meloidogyne effector gene Mhi-vap-1 showed that this gene is important for the plant-nematode interaction during the early events of infection and could be a target gene for anti-nematode strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chloride intracellular channel proteins (CLICs) are multi-functional proteins that are expressed in various cell types and differ in their subcellular location. Two CLIC homologs, EXL-1 (cretory canal abnormal ike-1) and EXC-4 (retory canal abnormal– 4), are encoded in the Caenorhabditis elegans genome, providing an excellent model to study the functional diversification of CLIC proteins. EXC-4 functions in excretory canal formation during normal animal development. However, to date, the physiological function of EXL-1 remains largely unknown. In this study, we demonstrate that EXL-1 responds specifically to heat stress and translocates from the cytoplasm to the nucleus in intestinal cells and body wall muscle cells under heat shock. In contrast, we do not observe EXC-4 nuclear translocation under heat shock. Full protein sequence analysis shows that EXL-1 bears a non-classic nuclear localization signal (NLS) that EXC-4 is lacking. All mammalian CLIC members have a nuclear localization signal, with the exception of CLIC3. Our phylogenetic analysis of the CLIC gene families across various animal species demonstrates that the duplication of CLICs in protostomes and deuterostomes occurred independently and that the NLS was subsequently lost in amniotes and nematodes, suggesting convergent evolution. We also observe that EXL-1 nuclear translocation occurs in a timely ordered manner in the intestine, from posterior to anterior regions. Finally, we find that exl-1 loss of function mutants are more susceptible to heat stress than wild-type animals, demonstrating functional relevance of the nuclear translocation. This research provides the first link between CLICs and environmental heat stress. We propose that C. elegans CLICs evolved to achieve different physiological functions through subcellular localization change and spatial separation in response to external or internal signals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several decades of research provided detailed insight into how genes control development and evolution, whereas recent studies have expanded this purely genetic perspective by presenting strong evidence for environmental and epigenetic influences. We summarize examples of phenotypic plasticity and trans-generational epigenetic inheritance in the nematode model organisms Pristionchus pacificus and Caenorhabditis elegans , which indicate that the response of developmental systems to environmental influences is hardwired into the organismś genome. We argue that genetic programs regulating these organismal–environmental interactions are themselves subject to natural selection. Indeed, macro-evolutionary studies of nematode feeding structures indicate evolutionary trajectories in which plasticity followed by genetic assimilation results in extreme diversity highlighting the role of plasticity as major facilitator of phenotypic diversification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Free-living nematodes are ubiquitous and play an essential role in ecosystems. However, little is known about their standard life history traits (LHTs), which limits their inclusion in estimations of energy flows and carrying capacities of ecosystems, as well as in modelling population-level responses to toxicants. Thus, we used the hanging-drop method to measure LHTs of Plectus acuminatus with and without exposure to cadmium (2 mg l-1). In controls, the mean lifespan was 68 days and the maximum 114 days. Individuals laid eggs on average 19 days after hatching, while production of offspring peaked at 37 days. Plectus acuminatus individuals were very fertile, producing on average 848 juveniles. Population growth rate of 0.19 was estimated for the control cohort leading to an average population doubling time of 3.65 days. Exposure to cadmium reduced mean lifespan by 62% and affected reproduction as only 22% of individuals produced offspring, leading to a total fertility rate 85% lower than in controls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Normal vulval development in the nematode Caenorhabditis briggsae is identical to that in the related Caenorhabditis elegans. However, several experiments suggest that there are differences between the two species with respect to the contribution of EGF/Ras signaling. To investigate these differences genetically, we have characterized a C. briggsae mutant strain that phenocopies the effect observed when C. briggsae animals are treated with U0126, an inhibitor of the EGF pathway component MEK. We identify that the gene affected in the mutant strain is Cbr-sur-2, which encodes a MED23 mediator complex protein that acts downstream of EGF signaling in C. elegans and other organisms, such as mammals. When Cbr-sur-2 and Cel-sur-2 mutants are compared, we find that the production of additional vulval cells from P5.p and P7.p in C. elegans is dependent on proper development of P6.p, while C. briggsae does not have a similar requirement. Combined chemical and genetic interference with the EGF pathway completely eliminates vulval development in C. elegans but not in C. briggsae. Our results provide genetic evidence for the differing requirements for EGF signaling in the two species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dispersal ability, population genetic structure and species divergence in marine nematodes are still poorly understood, especially in remote areas such as the Southern Ocean. We investigated genetic differentiation of species and populations of the free-living endobenthic nematode genera Sabatieria and Desmodora using nuclear 18S rDNA, internal transcribed spacer (ITS) rDNA, and mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (COI) gene sequences. Specimens were collected at continental shelf depths (200-500 m) near the Antarctic Peninsula, Scotia Arc and eastern side of the Weddell Sea. The two nematode genera co-occurred at all sampled locations, but with different vertical distribution in the sediment. A combination of phylogenetic (GMYC, Bayesian Inference, Maximum Likelihood) and population genetic (AMOVA) analyses were used for species delimitation and assessment of gene flow between sampling locations. Results: Sequence analyses resulted in the delimitation of four divergent species lineages in Sabatieria, two of which could not be discriminated morphologically and most likely constitute cryptic species. Two species were recognised in Desmodora, one of which showed large intraspecific morphological variation. Both genera comprised species that were restricted to one side of the Weddell Sea and species that were widely spread across it. Population genetic structuring was highly significant and more pronounced in the deeper sediment-dwelling Sabatieria species, which are generally less prone to resuspension and passive dispersal in the water column than surface Desmodora species. Conclusions: Our results indicate that gene flow is restricted at large geographic distance in the Southern Ocean, which casts doubt on the efficiency of the Weddell gyre and Antarctic Circumpolar Current in facilitating circum-Antarctic nematode species distributions. We also show that genetic structuring and cryptic speciation can be very different in nematode species isolated from the same geographic area, but with different habitat preferences (surface versus deeper sediment layers). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans produces tens, if not hundreds, of different ascarosides as pheromones to communicate with other members of its species. Overlapping mixtures of these pheromones affect the development of the worm and a variety of different behaviors. The ascarosides represent a unique tool for dissecting the neural circuitry that controls behavior and that connects to important signaling pathways, such as the insulin and TGFβ pathways, that lie at the nexus of development, metabolism, and lifespan in C. elegans. However, the exact physiological roles of many of the ascarosides are unclear, especially since many of these pheromones likely have multiple functions depending on their concentrations, the presence of other pheromones, and a variety of other factors. Determining these physiological roles will be facilitated by top-down approaches to characterize the pheromone receptors and their function, as well as bottom-up approaches to characterize the pheromone biosynthetic enzymes and their regulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phenotypic heterogeneity in microbial communities enables genetically identical organisms to behave differently even under the same environmental conditions. Photorhabdus luminescens, a bioluminescent Gram-negative bacterium, contains a complex life cycle, which involves a symbiotic interaction with nematodes as well as a pathogenic association with insect larvae. P. luminescens exists in two distinct phenotypic cell types, designated as the primary (1°) and secondary (2°) cells. The 1° cells are bioluminescent, pigmented and can support nematode growth and development. Individual 1° cells undergo phenotypic switching after prolonged cultivation and convert to 2° cells, which lack the 1° specific phenotypes. The LysR-type regulator HexA has been described as major regulator of this switching process. Here we show that HexA controls phenotypic heterogeneity in a versatile way, directly and indirectly. Expression of hexA is enhanced in 2° cells, and the corresponding regulator inhibits 1° specific traits in 2° cells. HexA does not directly affect bioluminescence, a predominant 1° specific phenotype. Since the respective luxCDABE operon is repressed at the post-transcriptional level and transcriptional levels of the RNA chaperone gene hfq are also enhanced in 2° cells, small regulatory RNAs are presumably involved that are under control of HexA. Another phenotypic trait that is specific for 1° cells is quorum sensing mediated cell clumping. The corresponding pcfABCDEF operon could be identified as the first direct target of HexA, since the regulator binds to the pcfA promoter region and thereby blocks expression of the target operon. In summary, our data show that HexA fulfills the task as repressor of 1° specific features in 2° cells in a versatile way and gives first insights into the complexity of regulating phenotypic heterogeneity in Photorhabdus bacteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parasitic nematodes have evolved sophisticated mechanisms to communicate with their hosts in order to survive and successfully establish an infection. The transfer of RNA within extracellular vesicles ( EVs) has recently been described as a mechanism that could contribute to this communication in filarial nematodes. It has been shown that these EVs are loaded with several types of RNAs, including micro RNAs, leading to the hypothesis that parasites could actively use these molecules to manipulate host gene expression and to the exciting prospect that these pathways could result in new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. Here, we review the literature on the diverse RNAi pathways that operate in nematodes and more specifically our current knowledge of extracellular RNA (ex RNA) and EVs derived from filarial nematodes in vitro and within their hosts. We further detail some of the issues and questions related to the capacity of RNA-mediated communication to function in parasite-host interactions and the ability of ex RNA to enable us to distinguish and detect different nematode parasites in their hosts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The primary task of developing embryos is genome replication, yet how DNA replication is integrated with the profound cellular changes that occur through development is largely unknown. Using an approach to map DNA replication at high resolution in C. elegans, we show that replication origins are marked with specific histone modifications that define gene enhancers. We demonstrate that the level of enhancer associated modifications scale with the efficiency at which the origin is utilized. By mapping replication origins at different developmental stages, we show that the positions and activity of origins is largely invariant through embryogenesis. Contrary to expectation, we find that replication origins are specified prior to the broad onset of zygotic transcription, yet when transcription initiates it does so in close proximity to the pre-defined replication origins. Transcription and DNA replication origins are correlated, but the association breaks down when embryonic cell division ceases. Collectively, our data indicate that replication origins are fundamental organizers and regulators of gene activity through embryonic development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ascaris lumbricoides is responsible for a highly disseminated helminth parasitic disease, ascariosis, a relevant parasitosis that responds for great financial burden on the public health system of developing countries. In this work, metabolic fingerprinting using high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) was employed to identify marker molecules from A. lumbricoides in different development stages. We have identified nine biomarkers, such as pheromones and steroidal prohormones in early stages, among other molecules in late development stages, making up four molecules for fertilized eggs, four marker molecules for first larvae (L1) and one marker molecule for third larvae (L3). Therefore, our findings indicate that this approach is suitable for biochemical characterization of A. lumbricoides development stages. Moreover, the straightforward analytical method employed, with almost no sample preparation from a complex matrix (feces) using high-resolution mass spectrometry, suggests that it is possible to seek for an easier and faster way to study animal molding processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Elucidating the mechanisms underlying cell fate determination, cell identity maintenance and cell reprogramming in vivo is one of the main challenges in today's science. Such knowledge of fundamental importance will further provide new leads for early diagnostics and targeted therapy approaches both in regenerative medicine and cancer research. This review focuses on recent mechanistic findings and factors that influence the differentiated state of cells in direct reprogramming events, aka transdifferentiation. In particular, we will look at the mechanistic and conceptual advances brought by the use of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans and highlight common themes across phyla. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An abstracts of several articles are presented including "New & Recurring pathogens of Wasabi in British Columbia" by E.C. Betz and colleagues, "Influence of Nitrogen Inputs on development of plant-parasitic Nematode Populations in the Root Zone of Blueberry" by T.A. Forge and colleagues, and "Unravelling Cherry Slip-Skin Maceration disorder" by D.T. O'Gorman and colleagues.

Heterorhabditis bacteriophora, associated with Photorhabdus luminescens, is commonly used against insect pests. Dauer juveniles (DJ) develop into self-fertilising hermaphrodites that lay eggs until juveniles hatch inside the uterus and feed on the body content of the mother (endotokia matricida). The life history traits of H. bacteriophora were studied at 2.5 x 109, 5 x 109, 10 x 109 and 20 x 109 cells ml-1 of P. luminescens at 25°C using a hanging drop technique. The number of offspring produced per hermaphrodite increased from 50 at 2.5 x 109 cells ml-1 to 269 at 20 x 109 cells ml-1 of P. luminescens. The bacterial density did not influence the beginning of endotokia matricida, hermaphrodite death, DJ release from the maternal carcass and the percentage of juveniles obtained through endotokia matricida. Mating of automictic females could not increase offspring production and survival. Endotokia matricida is an obligatory developmental step in H. bacteriophora. Keywords - Caenorhabditis elegans, dauer juveniles, endotokia matricida, entompathogenic nematode, hanging drop, hermaphrodites, Photorhabdus luminescens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Root-lesion nematodes (Pratylenchus) have a worldwide distribution and cause severe production constraints on numerous important crops. During a survey of the wheat-growing area of Morocco, 17 populations of root-lesion nematode were collected. They were identified on the basis of their morphological and morphometric characters, and by molecular methods. Microscopic observations of females and males demonstrated the occurrence of P. penetrans in 13 of the 17 samples; P. thornei and P. pseudocoffeae were detected in four samples from Zaers and a single sample from Settat, respectively. A duplex PCR primer set was used to confirm the presence of P. penetrans while the species-specific forward primer PTHO and the common reverse primer D3B were used for P. thornei. For the remaining populations, the D2-D3 expansion segments of the 28S rRNA gene were amplified and the obtained sequences were compared with those of Pratylenchus species in the GenBank database. This comparison confirmed the morphological identifications and revealed a population of P. pinguicaudatus. The study of the phylogenetic relationship of the Moroccan Pratylenchus populations showed a high similarity (99-100%) between all P. penetrans populations. The population dynamics of six Pratylenchus populations from Morocco were evaluated on carrot disk cultures at 4, 8 and 12 weeks after inoculation, and at 10, 15, 20 and 25°C. The optimum temperature for reproduction of all populations was 20°C. After 8 weeks at this temperature, nematode numbers increased up to 458-fold, 310-fold and 252-fold for the four populations of P. penetrans, the P. thornei and the P. pseudocoffeae population, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Aerobic rice fields are frequently infested by pathogenic oomycetes ( Pythium spp.) and the rice root-knot nematode Meloidogyne graminicola. Here, the interaction between Pythium arrhenomanes and Meloidogyne graminicola was studied in rice roots of two aerobic rice varieties. In different experimental set-ups and infection regimes, plant growth, rice yield, Pythium colonization, as well as establishment, development and reproduction of M. graminicola were studied. Results: In this study, it is shown that the presence of P. arrhenomanes delays the establishment, development and reproduction of M. graminicola compared to single nematode infected plants. The delay in establishment and development of M. graminicola becomes stronger with higher P. arrhenomanes infection pressure. Conclusions: Our data indicate that P. arrhenomanes antagonizes M. graminicola in the rice root and that the plant benefits from this antagonism as shown by the yield data, especially when either of the pathogens is present in high levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The qualitative and quantitative compositions of free-living marine nematodes were studied in Rifovaya Bay (Peter the Great Gulf, Sea of Japan). It was found that the density distribution of nematode populations in bottom sediments of Rifovaya Bay is nonuniform. In total, 72 nematode species were found, including Oncholaimium paraolium, Viscosia epapilosa, and Monoposthia latiannulata on all types of substrates. The dominant trophic group comprised 'predators' (2B) and 'scrapers' (2A). It was shown that the species composition of nematodes in Rifovaya Bay is very similar to the species composition of nematodes in the other areas of Peter the Great Gulf. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change can promote disease emergence if shifting conditions favour infection of native fauna by introduced parasites and pathogens. In Hawai'i, climate warming is predicted to reduce net precipitation and surface flow in streams, which in turn could increase parasitism of native stream fishes by non-native parasites. In this study, we utilised a natural precipitation gradient across the Hamakua coast on the island of Hawai'i to assess the relationship between precipitation and infection of Awaous stamineus, a native amphidromous goby, by the introduced nematode Camallanus cotti. We found that the abundance, intensity and prevalence of C. cotti in A. stamineus increased with declining rainfall. Our results also show that parasitism tracks precipitation patterns across the archipelago and that parasitism increases even with moderate decreases in rainfall. As the Hamakua coast precipitation gradient represents a proxy for predicted climate-driven reductions in precipitation, these findings suggest that infection of native Hawaiian fishes by introduced parasites will increase if climate conditions change as expected. Our findings also suggest that parasitism may be exacerbated by other factors that reduce surface flow, including water extraction for agricultural and urban uses. If so, then adaptive management of minimum flow standards in Hawai'i and elsewhere could improve the well-being of at-risk native fishes by alleviating parasitism under current and future climate conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Precise staging of Caenorhabditis elegans is essential for developmental studies in different environmental conditions. In favorable conditions, larvae develop continuously through four larval stages separated by molting periods. Distinguishing molting from intermolt larvae has been achieved using transgenes with molting reporters, therefore requiring strain constructions, or careful observation of individuals for pharyngeal pumping or behavioral quiescence. In unfavorable conditions, larvae can enter the stressresistant and developmentally arrested dauer larva stage. Identifying dauer larvae has been based on their ability to withstand detergent selection, precluding identification of recovering animals or of mutants with defects in dauer morphogenesis. Here, we describe a simple method to distinguish molting larvae or dauer larvae from intermolt larvae that bypasses the limitations of current methods. Fluorescent latex beads are mixed with the bacterial food source and ingested by intermolt larvae and adults. Molting and dauer larvae do not feed, and therefore lack beads in their digestive tract. The presence of beads can be determined using a dissecting microscope at magnifications as low as 100 x, or by using a wormsorter for high-throughput experiments. We find that continuously developing bead-lacking larvae display hallmarks of molting, including expression of the mlt-10::gfp molting marker and a lack of pharyngeal pumping. Furthermore, wild-type and mutant dauer larvae produced by any of three common methods are accurately identified by a lack of beads. Importantly, this method is effective in SDS-sensitive mutant backgrounds and can identify recovering dauer larvae, a stage for which there is no other method of positive selection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) is a persistent organic pollutant. Although multiple adverse effects of PFOS have been demonstrated, whether PFOS can accelerate aging and affect animal longevity remains unknown. In Caenorhabditis elegans, we found that a 50 h exposure to 0.2-200 µM PFOS reduced lifespan in a concentration dependent manner. In transgenic nematodes, lifespans are affected by mutations of daf- 16, daf- 2 or age- 1 genes, which are related to the Insulin/IGF-1 Signaling pathway (IIS). PFOS exposure caused an additional reduction in average lifespan in daf- 2( e1370) and daf- 16b( KO) nematodes. In contrast, daf- 16( mu86) nematodes showed no additional reduction with PFOS exposure and age- 1( hx546) mutants did not exhibit a reduction in lifespan with PFOS exposure, compared with wildtype nematodes. Overall, our findings demonstrate that PFOS exposure accelerates aging and shortens longevity of animals. The PFOS-induced effect may involve genes of the IIS pathway, particularly daf- 16 and age- 1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Animals must constantly assess their surroundings and integrate sensory cues to make appropriate behavioral and developmental decisions. Pheromones produced by conspecific individuals provide critical information regarding environmental conditions. Ascaroside pheromone concentration and composition are instructive in the decision of Caenorhabditis elegans to either develop into a reproductive adult or enter into the stress-resistant alternate dauer developmental stage. Pheromones are sensed by a small set of sensory neurons, and integrated with additional environmental cues, to regulate neuroendo- crine signaling and dauer formation. To identify molecules required for pheromone-induced dauer forma- tion, we performed an unbiased forward genetic screen and identified phd (pheromone response-defective dauer) mutants. Here, we describe new roles in dauer formation for previously identified neuronal molecules such as the WD40 domain protein QUI-1 and MACO-1 Macoilin, report new roles for nociceptive neurons in modulating pheromone-induced dauer formation, and identify tau tubulin kinases as new genes involved in dauer formation. Thus, phd mutants define loci required for the detection, transmission, or integration of pheromone signals in the regulation of dauer formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photorhabdus (Enterobacteriaceae) bacteria are pathogenic to insects and mutualistic with entomopathogenic Heterorhabditis nematodes. Photorhabdus luminescens subsp. akhurstii LN2, associated with Heterorhabditis indica LN2, shows nematicidal activity against H. bacteriophora H06 infective juveniles (IJs). In the present study, an rpoS mutant of P. luminescens LN2 was generated through allelic exchange to examine the effects of rpoS deletion on the nematicidal activity and nematode development. The results showed that P. luminescens LN2 required rpoS for nematicidal activity against H06 nematodes, normal IJ recovery and development of H. indica LN2, however, not for the bacterial colonization in LN2 and H06 IJs. This provides cues for further understanding the role of rpoS in the mutualistic association between entomopathogenic nematodes and their symbionts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The nematodeworm Caenorhabditis elegans survives by adapting to environmental stresses such as temperature extremes by increasing the concentrations of ascaroside pheromones, termed ascarosides or daumones, which signal early C. elegans larvae to enter a non-aging dauer state for long-term survival. It is well known that production of ascarosides is stimulated by heat stress, resulting in enhanced dauer formation by which worms can adapt to environmental insults. However, the molecular mechanism by which ascaroside pheromone biosynthesis is stimulated by heat stress remains largely unknown. In the present study, we show that the heat-shock transcription factor HSF-1 can mediate enhanced ascaroside pheromone biosynthesis in response to heat stress by activating the peroxisomal fatty acid β-oxidation genes in C. elegans. To explore the potential molecular mechanisms, we examined the four major genes involved in the ascaroside biosynthesis pathway and then quantified the changes in both the expression of these genes and ascaroside production under heat-stress conditions. The transcriptional activation of ascaroside pheromone biosynthesis genes by HSF-1 was quite notable, which is not only supported by chromatin immunoprecipitation assays, but also accompanied by the enhanced production of chemically detectable major ascarosides (e.g. daumones 1 and 3). Consequently, the dauer formation ratewas significantly increased by the ascaroside pheromone extracts from N2 wild-type but not from hsf -1(sy441) mutant animals grown under heat-stress conditions. Hence heat-stress-enhanced ascaroside production appears to be mediated at least in part by HSF-1, which seems to be important in adaptation strategies for coping with heat stress in this nematode. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using the hanging drop technique with nematode growth gelrite medium, life history traits of Steinernema yirgalemense (strain Sy 157-C) were investigated at a bacterial density of 10 × 109 cells ml-1 of Xenorhabdus indica at 25°C. With the same technique, the exit of dauer juveniles (DJ) from the arrested stage (recovery) was assessed at 5 × 109, 10 × 109 and 20 × 109 cells ml-1 of X. indica. Additionally, S. yirgalemense was incubated in nematode liquid medium at 25, 27 and 30°C. At each culture temperature, DJ recovery, sex ratio at 3 days post DJ inoculation and DJ yield and DJ as a percentage of non-DJ stages at 15 days post DJ inoculation were assessed. DJ survival in Ringer's solution stored at 4, 15 and 25°C was assessed for 66 days. Steinernema yirgalemense has a total fertility rate and net reproductive rate of 487 and 314 offspring per female, respectively. The intrinsic rate of natural increase rm was 0.98 day-1, population doubling time PDT = 0.71 days and mean generation time T = 5.72 days. The average lifespan of S. yirgalemense females starting from first-stage juveniles was 6.55 days. In liquid culture, DJ recovery ranged from 63- 75% at 72 h post DJ inoculation and was not significantly different between the incubation temperatures. Parental male to female ratio was not influenced by incubation temperature and usually was at a ratio of 1:2. The percentage of females that entered into endotokia matricida at 72 h post DJ inoculation was 61% at 25°C, whereas at 27 and 30°C it was 24% and 0.5%, respectively. The highest DJ yield was recorded at 25°C (284 114 DJ ml-1) followed by 27°C (176 932 DJ ml-1) and the lowest at 30°C with 26 298 DJ ml-1. At a storage temperature of 4°C, DJ survival did not exceed 42 days, whereas at 15 and 25°C more than 95% of the DJ survived 66 days. Although S. yirgalemense DJ survived for long periods at both 15 and 25°C in liquid storage, their survival in formulated product and virulence after storage needs further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Lin28/ let-7 molecular switch has emerged as a central regulator of growth signaling pathways and metabolic enzymes. Initially discovered to regulate developmental timing in the nematode, the Lin28/ let-7 pathway of RNA regulation has gained prominence for its role in mammalian stem cells, cancer cells, tissue development, and aging. By regulating RNAs, the pathway coordinates cellular growth and cellular metabolism to influence metabolic physiology. Here, we review this regulatory mechanism and its impact on cancers, which reactivate Lin28, cardiovascular diseases, which implicate let-7 , human genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of growth, and metabolic diseases, which implicate the Lin28/ let-7 pathway. We also highlight questions relating to Barker's Hypothesis and the potential actions of the Lin28/ let-7 pathway on programming long-lasting epigenetic effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Angiostrongylus vasorum is a parasitic nematode that infects the heart and pulmonary artery and its branches of domestic and wild canids. The parasite can use several species of terrestrial and aquatic molluscs as intermediate hosts, although susceptibility varies. Pomacea canaliculata is a mollusc found in lakes, swamps and rivers in South America. In this study, we evaluated the susceptibility, parasite growth, oviposition and larval development of 282 P. canaliculata infected with 500 A. vasorum first-instar larvae (L1). From day 5 post-infection (pi) to day 30 pi, seven specimens per day were sacrificed to recover the larval instars. We compared 50 egg masses from infected and uninfected molluscs to determine the number of eggs per clutch, the hatching rate and the growth of the molluscs. The percentage of recovered larvae ranged from 39.17% to 67.5%. First-stage larvae (L1) were found until day 19 pi, second-stage larvae (L2) were found from days 11 to 25 pi, and third-stage larvae (L3) were recovered only after day 19 pi. Infected snails exhibited the most eggs during spawning, although the rate of hatching and shell size were lower in the infected snails compared with controls. This is the first report of an experimental infection of P. canaliculata with A. vasorum, and the results confirm the non-specificity of the nematode in relation to the intermediate host and indicate the importance of epidemiological surveys of this parasite and mollusc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carnoya cepacapitatus n. sp. and C. mexicana n. sp. from the intestine of Anadenobolus putealis from Mexico are described herein. Specific characters like the number of collars and spines set these species apart from those previously described from the Caribbean and South American regions. Males of C. cepacapitatus n. sp. can be differentiated from those of all other described species of Carnoya from the Americas by the presence of a broader cephalic annule two annules posterior to the lip region, eight transverse rows of spines linearly arranged on cervical region, finely striated regions at the midventral body section and in the region posterior to cloacal aperture, and a pair of double postcloacal papillae, females by a spherical, knob-like annule posterior to lip region, annulated neck region with fourth annule wider than the other six, and 15 spined cervical collars. Males of C. mexicana n. sp. can be differentiated from other described species by the presence of minute and irregularly distributed cervical spines placed on 11 annules, plus an elevated lip region; females bear 15 cervical collars with leaf-like spines. Carnoya cepacapitatus n. sp. closely resembles C. caputbulla, whereas C. mexicana n. sp. resembles several species of Caribbean distribution, mainly C. haiti, but differs from all of them primarily in the number, distribution and size of the cervical spined collars. Females of C. cepacapitatus n. sp. resemble Asian species that possess a knob-like cephalic region. Carnoya mexicana n. sp. resembles more closely the American species of this genus based on the form of the cephalic region in both sexes, but especially the number and distribution of the spined collars in the male. Partial sequences of SSU and LSU are presented for females of both species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A description of one new, and redescription of one known, species of the subfamily Adoncholaiminae (Nematoda: Oncholaimidae) from Peter the Great Bay (Sea of Japan) are provided. Adoncholaimus ussuriensis sp. n. is characterised by relatively large body size (L = 4.3-5.8 mm in male, 4.4-6.2 mm in female), a pair of terminal pores of the Demanian system opening dorsally at 147-189 µm (2.3-3.0 abd) anterior to the anus, excretory pore located posterior to buccal cavity region, absence of a ventral swelling on tail, long spicules (190-230 µm), presence of a gubernaculum (32-40 µm), presence of a complicated sensory field in the male with a complex supplementary organ and two sets of pilose filaments (5-10 µm long) on the posterior cloacal lobe and four rows of subventral and subdorsal postcloacal sensilla. We provide a redescription of Admirandus multicavus illustrated by light and scanning electron micrographs and propose Adoncholaimus chinensis as a junior synonym of Admirandus multicavus. The diagnoses of both genera are emended. Partial sequences of the mitochondrial gene cytochrome oxidase c subunit I (COI) and D2-D3 region of the 28S rDNA for both species were obtained. A dichotomous key to Adoncholaimus species is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The role of nematology in food security is discussed. Nematology began with the classification of species. The onset of monocultures required effective nematode management tools. Recently, more complex approaches to management include ecology, natural sciences and genomics, with important fallouts in crop protection. The food security goal is to satisfy any dietary need for the healthy life of all but this message has not spread globally. Benefits achievable through crop technologies are not equally distributed and food security is not yet assured for several million people. Many social, political or economic factors are involved, and nematology may only partially contribute to achieve this goal. However, the scientific knowledge produced can contribute to solving some food security issues. Fundamental conditions are free access to education and science, as well as support for independent production of knowledge, improving regional and international cooperation and research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This chapter discusses the evolutionary history of nematode parasites of invertebrates, vertebrates and plants based on fossil remains in amber, stone and coprolites dating from the Palaeozoic to the Holocene. The earliest parasitic nematode is a primitive plant parasite from the Devonian. Fossil invertebrate-parasitic nematodes first appeared in the Early Cretaceous, while the earliest fossil vertebrate-parasitic nematodes are from Upper Triassic coprolites. Specific examples of fossil nematode parasites over time are presented, along with views on the origin and evolution of nematodes and their hosts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]