Combinatorial controlled gene expression delivering crops resistant to nematodes

根结线虫在全球每年造成1300亿美元的作物损失，在澳大利亚每年至少造成450澳元的损失。 目前的控制方法包括熏蒸、化学品（主要是氨基甲酸酯和有机磷酸盐）、天然植物抗性和生物控制。 熏蒸剂（如甲基溴）由于破坏臭氧层而被逐步淘汰，大多数非熏蒸剂由于环境破坏和在地下水中的持久性而被禁止，生物控制的成功有限。 这些问题在本项目中得到解决，与发展的合成植物抗线虫，这将有利于园艺和阔亩农业，减少病原体的损失和提高质量。

Root-knot nematodes cause US$130 billion crop losses worldwide pa, and at least AUS$ 450 pa in Australia. Current control methods involve fumigation, chemicals (mainly carbamates and organophosphates), natural plant resistance and biological control. The fumigants (eg methyl bromide) are being phased out because they damage the ozone layer, most of the non-fumigants are being banned because of environmental damage and persistence in groundwater, and biological control has had limited success. These problems are addressed in this project with development of synthetic plant resistance to nematodes, which will benefit horticultural and broadacre farming by reducing pathogen losses and improving quality.