The genome of the yellow potato cyst nematode Globodera rostochiensis reveals insights into the basis of parasitism and virulence

Background: The yellow potato cyst nematode Globodera rostochiensis is a devastating plant pathogen of global economic importance. This biotrophic parasite secretes effectors from pharyngeal glands, some of which were acquired by horizontal gene transfer, to manipulate host processes and promote parasitism. G. rostochiensis is classified into pathotypes with different plant resistance-breaking phenotypes. Results: We generate a high-quality genome assembly for G. rostochiensis pathotype Ro1, identify putative effectors and horizontal gene transfer events, map gene expression through the life cycle focusing on key parasitic transitions, and sequence the genomes of eight populations including four additional pathotypes to identify variation. Horizontal gene transfer contributes 3.5% of the predicted genes, of which approximately 8.5% are deployed as effectors. Over one-third of all effector genes are clustered in 21 putative \"effector islands\" in the genome. We identify a dorsal gland pro...