Omics Approaches to Understand Biotic Stresses: A Case Study on Plant Parasitic Nematodes

Recently, multiple “omics” sciences such as genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and bioinformatics have been introduced. These sciences can be applied and effectively used in the area of biotic stresses, particularly microbial pathogeny studies. In this chapter, we provide deeper insight and discussion on the important applications of the diverse -omics fields of study with a focus on Plant Parasitic Nematodes (PPNs). For every five animal species on the planet, four are nematodes. Almost every animal and plant has at least one parasitic nematode species that is specifically tailored to make use of the food and resources that is represented by the host species, leading to significant losses caused by these pathogens and a need for applicable solutions in order to meet the rapidly growing world population and food demand. While most of the related literature center their focus on transcriptomics, we will be exploring other -omics studies that were published recently, particularly following the completion of the genomes sequences of the three widespread species (Meloidogyne incognita, M. hapla, and Bursaphelenchus xylophilus) in order to provide an in-depth understanding of major plant biotic stresses, their effects on plants, and the most effective strategies to control them.