The heterologous expression of a soybean (Glycine max) xyloglucan endotransglycosylase/hydrolase (XTH) in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) suppresses parasitism by the root knot nematodeMeloidogyne incognita

AGlycine max(soybean) hemicellulose modifying gene, xyloglucan endotransglycoslase/hydrolase (XTH43), has been identified as being expressed within a nurse cell known as a syncytium developing within the soybean root undergoing the process of defense to infection by the parasitic nematode,Heterodera glycines. The highly effective nature of XTH43 overexpression in suppressingH.glycinesparasitism in soybean has led to experiments examining whether the heterologous expression of XTH43 inGossypium hirsutum(upland cotton) could impair the parasitism ofMeloidogyne incognita, that form a different type of nurse cell called a giant cell that is enclosed within a swollen root structure called a gall. The heterologous transgenic expression of XTH43 in cotton resulted in an 18% decrease in the number of galls, 70% decrease in egg masses, 64% decrease in egg production and a 97% decrease in second stage juvenile (J2) production as compared to transgenic controls. The heterologous XTH43 expression does not significantly affect root mass. The results demonstrate XTH43 expression functions effectively in impairing the development ofM.incognitaat numerous life cycle stages occurring within the cotton root. The experiments reveal that there are highly conserved aspects of the defense response ofG.maxthat can function effectively inG.hirsutumto impairM.incognitahaving a different method of parasitism.