~ Quantifying the native expression level of each nematode parasitism gene to identify how the gene expression level influences the RNAi effect.
~ Identify the copy number of each parasitism gene in the SCN genome and determine how expression of each gene can influence RNAi effect.
~ Determine not only the effect of PG-RNAi on the number of cyst females produced on host roots, but identify potential effects on the length of the nematode life cycle and the number of eggs produced per nematode.
~ Quantify the expression level of PG-RNAi expressed in plants and compare this to target native nematode gene expression levels to identify the correct dose of RNAi needed to maximize nematode inhibition.
~ Analyze the RNAi transgene constructs used to transform plants to optimize maximum effective RNAi production at the site of nematode infection in roots.
~ Target multiple nematode parasitism genes with RNAi in the same transgenic plant to identify combinations that provide very high levels of nematode resistance.