HOST-PARASITE CO-EVOLUTION

The fascinating study of host-parasite co-evolution follows the non-stop process that shapes the evolution of both species. This understanding is particularly important in agroecosystems where nematodes cause yield losses of well over $100 Billion annually. The main control strategy for plant-parasitic nematodes is by resistance genes. However, nematodes can evolve resistance-breaking properties. Early detection of resistance-breaking populations is key to ensuring crop yield and thereby global food security. However, when resistance breaking becomes visible as slowed plant growth it is already too late as nematode populations grow exponentially. To win this battle, we develop genetic tools for resistance breaking detection so we can observe the problems years before they become visible in the crops.