Reproduction, Physiology and Biochemistry

Information on the functional biology of plant-parasitic nematodes is central both to fundamental science and to practical aspects. Functional genomics information on reproduction, physiology and biochemistry may lead to the design of novel control strategies exploiting targets unique to nematodes. Nematodes exhibit a variety of sexual and asexual reproductive methods, and details of reproduction, including amphimixis, meiotic and mitotic parthenogenesis, and hermaphroditism are provided. Subsequent development, including moulting, is discussed. Functional aspects of musculature, nervous system and neurotransmission are covered, together with biosynthesis, respiration and intermediary metabolism, and osmotic and ionic regulation and excretion. The ability of plant-parasitic nematodes to survive adverse conditions and to retain infectivity during intercrop periods is discussed in relation to aspects of dormancy, including quiescence, diapause and dauer formation. In some species, survival is enhanced by a sophisticated host-parasite interaction involving eggshell structure and hatching biology.