Sequencing the genomes of the parthenogenetic root-knot nematodes Meloidogyne incognita, Meloidogyne javanica and Meloidogyne arenaria for assembly and comparative analysis.. Genome sequencing of parthenogenetic Meloidogyne species

The aim of the project is to produce reference genomes for three asexually-reproducing root-knot nematodes which are the major species in terms of worldwide economic impact on agriculture : Meloidogyne incognita, Meloidogyne javanica and Meloidogyne arenaria. This project will improve the initial Meloidogyne incognita draft genome and provide whole genome sequences of Meloidogyne javanica and Meloidogyne arenaria. A combination of sequencing technologies, including Illumina, 454 and capillary were used to generate reads. For each Meloidogyne species, large numbers of nematodes that originally came from the offspring of one single female will be pooled. Because these species reproduce by apomictic parthenogenesis, the lineages can be considered as clonal. The following populations were selected for genome sequencing: Meloidogyne incognita (population Morelos), Meloidogyne javanica (population Avignon) and Meloidogyne arenari! a (population Guadeloupe). Deciphering the genomes of these three root-knot nematodes will contribute to the development of new control methods and strategies against these pests. Obtaining whole genomes for these species will also contribute to understanding genome evolution in asexually-reproducing animals, especially since whole genomes from sexually reproducing Meloidogyne species are available for comparisons. Genome sequences as well as accompanying supplementary information and updates will be available at the following genome portal http://meloidogyne.inra.fr