Nematode resistant transgenic plants

Abstract

Compositions and methods for providing nematode resistance are provided. One aspect provides transgenic plants or cells comprising an inhibitory nucleic acid specific for one or more nematode esophageal polypeptides. Other aspects provide transgenic plants or cells resistant to at least two different root-knot nematode species.

1 . A transgenic plant or cell comprising: an inhibitory nucleic acid specific for at least a portion of a nucleic acid encoding a nematode esophageal gland cell secretory polypeptide. 
     
     
         2 - 13 . (canceled) 
     
     
         14 . The transgenic plant or cell of  claim 1 , wherein the nematode is a member of  Meloidogyne  spp. 
     
     
         15 . The transgenic plant or cell of  claim 1 , wherein the transgenic plant or cell is a monocot or dicot. 
     
     
         16 . The transgenic plant or cell of  claim 1 , wherein the transgenic plant or cell is a member of the phylogenic family selected from the group consisting of Rosaceae, Fabaceae, Passifloraceae, Cucurbitaceae, Malvaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Vitaceae, Solanaceae, Convolvulaceae, Rubiaceae, Leguminosae, and Brassicaceae. 
     
     
         17 . The transgenic plant or cell of  claim 16 , wherein the plant is a tomato, eggplant, potato, melon, cucumber, carrot, lettuce, artichoke, celery, cucurbits, barley, corn, peanut, soybean, sugar beet, cotton, cowpea, beans, alfalfa, tobacco, citrus, clover, pepper, grape, coffee, olive, or tea. 
     
     
         18 .- 26 . (canceled) 
     
     
         27 . A composition comprising: an inhibitory nucleic acid specific for an mRNA or fragment thereof encoding a polypeptide encoded by one or more of SEQ ID NOs. 1, 2 or 5-51 or a fragment or homologue thereof, in an amount sufficient to inhibit expression of the polypeptide encoded by one or more of SEQ ID NOs 1, 2 or 5-51 or homologue thereof when delivered to a nematode, 
     
     
         28 .- 27 . (canceled) 
     
     
         38 . A method for providing nematode resistance to a plant comprising: expressing in the plant an inhibitory nucleic acid specific for a nematode esophageal gland cell protein. 
     
     
         39 .- 43 . (canceled) 
     
     
         44 . The method of claim  40 , wherein the plant is resistant to nematode disease caused by  M. incognita, M. javanica, M. arenaria , and  M. hapla.    
     
     
         45 . A transgenic plant or cell comprising: at least a portion of a nucleic acid encoding an esophageal gland cell secretory polypeptide of a parasitic nematode. 
     
     
         46 . The transgenic plant or cell of  claim 45 , wherein the esophageal gland cell secretory polypeptide enhances root growth of the transgenic plant compared to a control plant or cell. 
     
     
         47 - 56 . (canceled) 
     
     
         57 . A composition comprising: a polypeptide encoded by SEQ ID NOs. 1, 2 or 5-51, a complement, a fragment, or homologue thereof, in an amount sufficient to enhance or promote root growth. 
     
     
         58 .- 65 . (canceled) 
     
     
         66 . A method for stimulating root growth or for enhancing the formation of lateral or adventitious roots comprising delivering a nematode esophageal gland cell secretory polypeptide to the interior of a root cell. 
     
     
         67 . (canceled) 
     
     
         68 . A seed produced by the transgenic plant or cell of  claim 1 . 
     
     
         69 .- 70 . (canceled) 
     
     
         71 . A fusion protein comprising a polypeptide encoded by SEQ ID NOs.1, 2, or 5-51 or fragments thereof. 
     
     
         72 . The fusion protein of  claim 71 , comprising an auxin or fragment thereof.