Exploring genetic variability of Pinus pinaster in the molecular response pathways to the pine wood nematode as a source of markers for assisted selection

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Molecular Defense Response of Pine Trees (Pinus spp.) to the Parasitic Nematode Bursaphelenchus xylophilus

Publication . Modesto, Inês; Mendes, André; Carrasquinho, Isabel; Miguel, Célia M.

Pine wilt disease (PWD) is a severe environmental problem in Eastern Asia andWestern Europe, devastating large forest areas and causing significant economic losses. This disease is caused by the pine wood nematode (PWN), Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, a parasitic migratory nematode that infects the stem of conifer trees. Here we review what is currently known about the molecular defense response in pine trees after infection with PWN, focusing on common responses in different species. By giving particular emphasis to resistance mechanisms reported for selected varieties and families, we identified shared genes and pathways associated with resistance, including the activation of oxidative stress response, cell wall lignification, and biosynthesis of terpenoids and phenylpropanoids. The role of post-transcriptional regulation by small RNAs in pine response to PWN infection is also discussed, as well as the possible implementation of innovative RNAinterference technologies, with a focus on trans-kingdom small RNAs. Finally, the defense response induced by elicitors applied to pine plants before PWN infection to prompt resistance is reviewed. Perspectives about the impact of these findings and future research approaches are discussed

2022Journal article

Open access