Identification of potato cyst nematodes by using PCR
A PCR method has been developed in United Kingdom to identify Globodera pallida and Globodera rostochiensis (EPPO A2 quarantine pests). Primers have been designed to amplify a region between the 5S rRNA and spliced leader RNA genes, in both nematode species. The method was tested against a wide range of potato cyst nematode isolates from South America, Europe and other parts of the world. Results showed that isolates of G. rostochiensis consistently amplified a single 914 bp product and were distinguishable from G. pallida which amplified 914 and 853 bp products or, in the case of most G. pallida Pa1 populations, a single 853 bp product. The method can be applied on single cysts, juveniles and eggs. The authors felt that this PCR method is a useful tool for identification of potato cyst nematodes in imported plant products, in crop management and statutory certification schemes.
Sources
Shields, R.; Fleming, C.C.; Stratford, R. (1996) Identification of potato cyst nematodes using the polymerase chain reaction.
Fundamental and Applied Nematology, 19(2), 167-173.