The nuclear hormone receptor family transcription factor Dd‐NHR‐1 is required for embryonic development in Ditylenchus destructor

Abstract Plant‐parasitic nematodes can diminish global food production by approximately 12.3%, leading to annual economic losses of nearly $173 billion. Unfortunately, implementing effective preventive and control strategies for plant‐parasitic nematodes remains challenging. In this study, we identified and characterized a transcription factor, Dd‐NHR‐1, which belongs to the nuclear hormone receptor (NHR) family. The NHR domain and zinc finger domain are both present in the structure of Dd‐NHR‐1. Phylogenetic analysis reveals that the Dd‐nhr‐1 gene exhibits the closest evolutionary distance to NHRs of other nematodes. Our findings demonstrate that the colonization numbers of Ditylenchus destructor in storage roots treated with Dd‐nhr‐1 dsRNA are reduced by 65.70%. Additionally, silencing the expression of the Dd‐nhr‐1 gene in eggs resulted in a 66.83% decrease in the egg hatching rate. RT‐qPCR data indicate that Dd‐nhr‐1 is highly expressed in the second‐stage juveniles and eggs, whereas in situ hybridization reveals its localization in the anterior region of the nematodes. The ChIP‐seq experiment confirmed its role as an upstream transcription factor, regulating numerous target genes and playing a crucial role in embryonic development. In summary, Dd‐NHR‐1 is a critical regulatory factor in embryonic development and serves as a potential target for D . destructor prevention with significant economic importance.