Abstract: The invention provides a method of identifying anti-nematode compounds and further provides transgenic nematodes that may be used to practice the method. In particular, the invention provides a screen for compounds that inhibit a nematode secretion pathway e.g, compounds that inhibit the secretion of proteins by nematodes. The transgenic nematodes express reporters for nematode secreted proteins. In preferred embodiments of the invention the screen is performed using C. elegans, i.e., certain embodiments of the invention utilize C. elegans and C. elegans secretory pathways as a model system for parasitic nematodes and parasitic nematode secretion pathways. The invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions that may be used in the treatment and prevention of nematode infection in humans and animals and anti-nematode agents that may be used to protect plants from plant-parasitic nematodes. In addition, the invention provides a genetic screen for identifying additional targets for anti-nematode compounds.

Abstract: The invention includes an expression vector engineered to produce double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) within a pest to be controlled. The dsRNA inhibits expression of at least one gene within the pest, wherein inhibition of the gene exerts a deleterious effect upon the pest. For example, inhibition of the gene can lead to cessation of feeding, growth, or development and can cause death of the pest. In a preferred embodiment of the invention the expression vector is a recombinant baculovirus that transcribes sense and antisense RNA under the control of the baculovirus IE-1 promoter and hr5 enhancer. Preferred genes to be inhibited include essential genes, genes involved in neurotransmission, and genes that are targets for conventional pesticides. The invention discloses baculovirus transfer plasmids useful for producing the recombinant baculovirus. The invention further discloses methods and formulations involving the expression vector.

Abstract: The invention includes an expression vector engineered to produce double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) within a pest to be controlled. The dsRNA inhibits expression of at least one gene within the pest, wherein inhibition of the gene exerts a deleterious effect upon the pest. For example, inhibition of the gene can lead to cessation of feeding, growth, or development and can cause death of the pest. In a preferred embodiment of the invention the expression vector is a recombinant baculovirus that transcribes sense and antisense RNA under the control of the baculovirus IE-1 promoter and hr5 enhancer. Preferred genes to be inhibited include essential genes, genes involved in neurotransmission, and genes that are targets for conventional pesticides. The invention discloses baculovirus transfer plasmids useful for producing the recombinant baculovirus. The invention further discloses methods and formulations involving the expression vector.