Exploiting "-omics" and molecular approaches in plant nematology research

Abstract. A large number of studies applying "-omics" technologies are involved in basic research in plant biology, biochemistry and plant protection. A better understanding of the nematode-plant association and interaction at different molecular levels, i.e. from the whole genome (omics) to the single gene (molecular), will improve and drive management programmes to develop alternative methods to control major plant parasitic species. The present chapter explores -omics technologies that have been considered to date in the study of major plant parasitic nematode genomes and parasitism genes, their plant-, microbial- or nematode-origin and their most recent applications in nematode parasitism biology and control strategies. The most frequently used molecular diagnostic tools for diagnostics, species identification and phylogenetic studies are reviewed.