Project properties
Title Understanding nematode parasitism in plants at the molecular level
Group Nematology, Laboratory of
Project type thesis
Credits 24-39
Supervisor(s) Jose Lozano
Examiner(s) Staff members Nematology
Contact info Arjen.Schots@wur.nl
Begin date 2023/01/01
End date 2024/12/31
Description Plant parasitic nematodes cause substantial economic losses in agricultural production worldwide. Current control measurements, such as resistance genes and pesticides, are not durable or toxic to the environment. Hence, we study the molecular mechanisms leading to nematode parasitism in model and cultivated plants to find novel broad-spectrum resistances against parasitic nematodes.

You can do your thesis in this exciting field of research to help us understand evolution and development at the plant nematode interface using state-of-the-art molecular, microscopic, phenotyping, and bioinformatic tools. We focus on the early stages of nematode infection, cell wall integrity receptors, cell wall plasticity, disease susceptibility, and plant tolerance. The techniques you can focus on during your thesis include using a pioneering spatial transcriptomics technology to generate RNA maps and select key candidate genes involved in establishing nematode infections. Using confocal microscopy and spectroscopy to study feeding site development, hormonal regulation, and root architectural changes during nematode infection. Using advanced bioinformatic analyses and CRISPR genome editing to validate key candidate genes for halting nematode development in host plants. Monitoring the plant responses to nematode infections via automated image analysis and 3D printing. Generating three-dimensional models of feeding sites in plant roots using leading-edge microscopy and spectroscopy. Developing a toolkit based on machine learning and deep learning to facilitate the integration of spatial transcriptomics and microscopic data in plants.
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