Steinernema sp. LAS-2021 isolate:LAS-2021 Genome sequencing. Steinernema sp. LAS-2021 isolate:LAS-2021

This project aims to acquire the whole genome sequence of an indigenous and novel nematode species, Steinernema sp. LAS-2021. The sequence will be utilized as a representative model to understand the triggers and the molecular mechanisms of two key concepts in parasitism, namely; activation and developmental transitions in the parasitic life cycle of the entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs). These forms of knowledge may be useful in improving and developing existing and novel first-line defense strategies against insect pests in South African agriculture respectively (Lu, Sepulveda and Dillman 2017).Reference:Lu, D., Sepulveda, C. and Dillman, A.R. (2017). Infective juveniles of the entomopathogenic nematode Steinernema scapterisci are preferentially activated by cricket tissue. PloS one, 12(1), p.e0169410.