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The Baum Lab

About Our Lab

Research in the Baum lab focuses on the compatible interaction between cyst nematodes and their hosts with particular emphasis on the soybean cyst nematode (Heterodera glycines) and the sugar beet cyst nematode (H. schachtii).  The soybean cyst nematode represents the single-most damaging pathogen of soybean in the U.S., estimated to cause upwards of $1.5 billion in yield losses to U.S. farmers alone.  To a smaller extent, some projects are dealing with the root-knot nematodes, Meloidogyne spp.  This group of so-called sedentary endoparasitic phytonematodes represents the most damaging group of plant-parasitic nematode and is responsible for billions of dollars worth of annual losses, worldwide.  We are working to understand the molecular, genetic, and biochemical events of successful plant parasitism, the so-called compatible interaction. For this purpose, we are characterizing the signal transduction events leading to successful nematode establishment and parasitism with an ever increasing emphasis on cell biological approaches. These efforts include characterization of changes in plant and nematode gene expression during the different phases of parasitism, functional characterization of genes involved in the plant-nematode interaction, and most importantly, the study of nematode effector proteins, a group of molecules we call parasitism proteins.

Sample pictureWe are frequently using the Arabidopsis thaliana model system because this plant is successfully infected by H. schachtii and gives us access to a wide variety of genetic and molecular resources.  Ultimately, understanding the compatible plant-nematode interaction will allow us to interfere with parasitism through genetic engineering of host plants in order to solve major agricultural and horticultural problems.  

SCN glands colorized

Disrupting ‘communication’ with plants could limit soybean cyst nematode infections

A photo of a cyst nematode's esophageal region viewed through a high-power microscope shows its esophageal glands, which produce effectors it uses to infect host plants. The image was digitally edited to highlight the glands. The subventral glands responsible for SUGR-1, highlighted in the included article, are colored blue. Photo illustration by Tom Maier and Thomas Baum/Iowa State University.

SCNBase

The Baum Lab Develops SCN Genomic and Transcriptomic Resource Database, SCNBase

SCNBase is a website designed as a centralized knowledge base for SCN researchers and producers. It contains genomics, transcriptomics, genetics, and population data along with tools to translate this information in to practical applications.

SCNBase was developed out of efforts from the Baum lab and collaborating labs, including the breakthrough development and release of the first chromosomal-scale genome for Soybean Cyst Nematode.  


Questions about this website should be directed to the site creator, Tom Maier, trmaier@iastate.edu