Transcriptome analysis of the sugarcane cyst nematode Heterodera sacchari shows signatures of adaptation to a monocot host

Heterodera sacchari, the sugar cane cyst nematode, is a serious pathogen of rice crops but is relatively neglected compared to other nematodes. To address this we have sequenced the transcriptome of invasive stage and parasitic stage nematodes. Analysis of effectors from this transcriptome revealed signatures of adaptation to parasitism of monocots, including loss of GH53 cell wall degrading enzymes.