Root-knot nematode genomics: what is coming soon?

Root-knot nematodes are among the most destructive plant parasites on Earth. Many aspects of their biology are fascinating, including their diverse reproductive modes, their extreme polyphagy, their unknown origin, and their sophisticated plant manipulation systems. Although genome analyses have illuminated certain points of their biology, recent advances in sequencing technologies have revealed some chromosomal idiosyncrasies. This includes unique telomere systems unparalleled in any other organism and complex holocentromere organisations. Evidence of polyploid hybrid genome structures in some of these species, with shared yet unknown parents, has redefined the way we need to interpret genome and expression data. It is timely to foresee new knowledge that can be gained by the adoption of the latest omics technologies by plant nematologists.