A spatiotemporal atlas of giant-cell formation during Meloidogyne incognita infection in tomato roots

Virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) of four genes encoding a cyclin-dependent kinase, two cell division cycle-associated proteins, and a MYB3R-1-like transcription factor—hypothesized to maintain the cell cycle or gene expression during mitosis—resulted in significantly fewer galls and significantly smaller giant cells. This study established the first spatiotemporal atlas of RKN-infected tomato roots and identified genes associated with giant cell formation, laying a foundation for further research on the establishment of RKN feeding sites, providing novel insights into RKN pathogenic mechanisms, and potentially guiding novel control strategies.