EXCALIBUR’s activities were elaborated in the PhD thesis of Nik Susič from one of Excalibur’s partners – Agricultural Institute of Slovenia.
The doctoral thesis title is ‘The use of advanced technologies for integrated management of root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp., Nematoda: Heteroderidae).
Nik determined full genome sequence of two Bacillus strains with nematicidal and plant growth promoting abilities. He also determined a wide array of putative virulence factors responsible for nematicidal effect.
Photo of a tomato plant: left is a healthy plant, right – a root-knot nematode infested plant with galls on the roots and clorosis on the above ground part of the plant.
