Nematode feeding sites: unique organs in plant roots

Planta. 2013 Nov;238(5):807-18. doi: 10.1007/s00425-013-1923-z. Epub 2013 Jul 4.

Abstract

Although generally unnoticed, nearly all crop plants have one or more species of nematodes that feed on their roots, frequently causing tremendous yield losses. The group of sedentary nematodes, which are among the most damaging plant-parasitic nematodes, cause the formation of special organs called nematode feeding sites (NFS) in the root tissue. In this review we discuss key metabolic and cellular changes correlated with NFS development, and similarities and discrepancies between different types of NFS are highlighted.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Cycle
  • Cell Wall / parasitology
  • Cytoskeleton / metabolism
  • Host-Parasite Interactions / genetics
  • Nematoda / physiology*
  • Plant Roots / cytology
  • Plant Roots / genetics
  • Plant Roots / parasitology*