Evolutionary adaptation of these root-knot nematodes to their preferred hosts might have led to variability in their
gene/protein profile which could contribute to their differential behaviour outside and inside the
different host crops. Polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies raised against several nematode species
showed cross-reactivity to antigens with different molecular weights present in the whole body
homogenate of M. incognita and M. graminicola J2. This variability in antigenicity may correspond to
specific functions of these molecules in M. incognita and M. graminicola. Using proteomics approach
possible amino acid sequence of those antigens was elucidated and showed sequence similarity with
several proteins like signal recognition particle protein, galactose binding lectin, zinc finger motif,
neurotransmitter gated ion channel, transmembrane protein, etc. from the genomic database of several
nematode species. To investigate the function of the identified nematode genes, RNA interference could
be used to reduce the expression of these selected genes and determine their importance for nematode
development, survival or parasitism.