PEET: Training the Next Generation of Nematode Taxonomists: Applying the Tools of Modern Monography Across Free-living and Parasitic Tylenchina

该项目通过培训新科学家使用传统和分子方法发现和描述蛔虫，解决了能够识别线虫（蛔虫）的专家短缺的问题。本研究的重点是一组自然的线虫，其中包括最具经济破坏性的植物寄生虫、某些动物寄生虫和以土壤微生物为食的物种。需要解决的主要问题是需要全面了解这些线虫之间的家谱关系，以便通过比较研究确定这些生物是如何寄生于植物和动物的。全球专家网络的参与为培训新科学家提供了必要的知识转移。线虫在生态系统、农业、兽医科学和医学中的关键作用与线虫分类学家的短缺和相应的线虫自然史信息的缺乏形成鲜明对比。主要的研究目标是通过提供鉴定线虫和评估它们之间关系所必需的方法的专业培训来缩小这一差距。这包括先进的显微镜和成像技术，描述新物种的标准，获取和测序DNA的程序，以及评估线虫关系的方法。这次培训将集中在一个线虫群（Tylenchina）上，这是了解寄生机制的关键。这项研究的更广泛影响是通过加强科学家获得增值产品的途径，包括线虫培养、鉴定辅助工具（形态和分子）和谱系，这将支持基础生物学、生态学、农业、寄生虫学和医学的进步。

This project addresses the shortage of specialists capable of identifying nematodes (roundworms) by training new scientists to discover and describe roundworms using traditional and molecular methods. This research focuses on a natural group of nematodes that includes the most economically damaging plant parasites, certain animal parasites, and species feeding on soil microbes. The main problem to be addressed is the need for comprehensive understanding of genealogical relationships among these nematodes so that comparative studies can determine how these organisms have parasitized plants and animals. Involvement of a worldwide network of experts provides knowledge transfer essential for training new scientists. The key role of nematodes in ecosystems, agriculture, veterinary science, and medicine contrasts starkly with the shortage of nematode taxonomists and the corresponding lack of information about nematode natural history. The main research objective is to narrow this gap by providing professional training in methods essential for identifying nematodes and assessing their relationships. This includes advanced microscopy and imaging techniques, standards for describing new species, procedures for obtaining and sequencing DNA, and methods for evaluating nematode relationships. This training will be focused on a nematode group (Tylenchina) that is pivotal to understanding mechanisms of parasitism. The broader impact of this research is through strengthening access of scientists to value-added products including nematode cultures, identification aids (morphological and molecular) and genealogies that will support advances in basic biology, ecology, agriculture, parasitology, and medicine.