Communication of Sedentary Plant-Parasitic Nematodes With Their Host Plants

Parasitism by sedentary plant-parasitic cyst and root-knot nematodes exhibits intriguing and fascinating examples of plant modifications induced by animals. This is reflected by the ability of these parasites to locate host plants, to trigger plant responses when approaching host roots and to induce the redifferentiation of plant root cells into specialized feeding structures. This chapter reviews current knowledge of the many layers of communication and signal exchange between plant-parasitic nematodes and host plants. In particular, it highlights host- and nematode-derived chemical signals and bioactive compounds that may facilitate plant-nematode recognition. In addition, this chapter emphasizes how this recognition results in the formation of nematode feeding sites and describes the underlying molecular mechanisms, which involve both nematode secretions and host factors.