Use of a Plant Universal Molecular Recognition Library for Root Knot Nematode Resistance

The goal of this research is to generate crops, such as tomato, corn and carrot, with broad spectrum, season long resistance to root knot nematode. Plant parasitic nematodes, of which root knot is the most significant, annually cause damage in excess of $8 billion in the U.S. and $80 billion worldwide. Transgenic crops have a significant economic opportunity to replace the application of toxic nematicidal pesticides. Nematicides including organophosphates, carbamates, and fumigants (methyl bromide) are being deregistered or have tightly restricted use. Benefits of a successful transgenic approach would include higher grower yields, lower input costs, greater worker safety, and less environmental impact.