Genetic engineering of an insect parasite

Post-genomic nematode parasitology

The future direction of post-genomic nematode parasitology should focus on the function of the genes that are defined by large-scale expressed sequence tag sequencing and on broader questions about the genetic basis of parasitism. Functional characterisation will require the application of high throughput technologies that have been developed in other fields, including genome mapping strategies and DNA microarray analysis. These will be greatly aided by the development and application of appropriate model organisms. It is crucial that the field make the transition from a narrow focus on one or a few genes at a time to a focus on whole genomes in order to fully realise the potential of the expressed sequence tag and other genomic projects currently under way.

Control of insect pests with entomopathogenic nematodes: the impact of molecular biology and phylogenetic reconstruction

Entomopathogenic nematodes are excellent biological control agents. Utilization of these nematodes is developing rapidly with almost a doubling of newly described species in the past five years. Advances in molecular biology and phylogenetic reconstruction have revolutionized understanding of population structure, identification, genetic improvement, systematics, and the symbiosis between entomopathogenic nematodes and their bacteria. Population structure provides the most fundamental information for reliable identification of species and unique genetic variants. Such information could be further assessed for nematode potential as biological control agents. Phylogenetic reconstruction is an important approach for understanding multitrophic interactions among entomopathogenic nematodes, symbiotic bacteria, and their insect hosts. Phylogenetic reconstruction is also important for the development of a natural and stable type of systematics, which can provide guidelines for selecting appropriate entomopathogenic nematode species for particular biological control programs.