Biochemical Aspects of Plant Interactions with Phytoparasitic Nematodes: A Review

The review summarizes reports on molecular aspects of interactions of phytoparasitic nematodes with plant hosts. Data on nematode secretions affecting plants (elicitors, toxins, products of parasitism genes, etc.) are analyzed and information flow pathways comprising all elements of the plant–parasite interaction (from elicitors to defense responses of plant cells) are described. Emphasis is placed on the mechanisms whereby plants are protected from nematode invasion (hypersensitivity reactions, apoptosis, phytoalexins, proteinase inhibitors, PR proteins, etc.). Consideration is given to genetic aspects of plant–parasite relationships. Promising practical approaches to defending plants from phytoparasitic nematodes developed based on the results of studies of molecular mechanisms of plant–parasite interactions are presented in the conclusion.