Disclosed are two nucleic acid molecules from M. incognita encoding malate dehydrogenase-like (MDH-like) polypeptides. The MDH-like polypeptide sequences are also provided, as are vectors, host cells, and recombinant methods for production of MDH-like nucleotides and polypeptides. The invention further relates to screening methods for identifying inhibitors and/or activators, as well as methods for antibody production.