Role of Omics Technologies in Nematode Research
摘要
Traditional diagnostic and management approaches are often labor-intensive and lack specificity. Advances in high-throughput “omics” technologies—genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics—are revolutionizing our ability to detect, characterize, and manage plant-parasitic nematodes. These fields help identify genetic markers, gene expression patterns, proteins, and metabolites for detecting nematode infections and disrupting their interactions with hosts. By providing comprehensive, system-wide snapshots of nematode biology and host–pathogen interactions, these approaches enable sensitive and specific diagnostics based on unique molecular signatures, discovery of novel targets for control (e.g., effector proteins, metabolic pathways), and rational design of management strategies, including RNA interference (RNAi), biological control, and chemical or botanical interventions. These approaches being complementary, offer a comprehensive view from DNA to metabolic outcomes, though their integration can be complex and requires further study. The key contributions of each omics discipline to nematode diagnosis and management, and how their integration paves the way for precision nematology are outlined.