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Morphological and molecular characterization of tropical Meloidogyne species in Brazil

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Nov 15, 2020 version files 2.75 KB

Abstract

The identification of Meloidogyne species, based on the perineal pattern of females and the morphology of the anterior portion of males, requires knowledge of the characteristics of each species and, mainly, training and practice. Molecular techniques, applying the concept of integrative taxonomy, have validated the diagnosis of plant-parasitic nematodes through DNA analysis. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the accuracy and feasibility of molecular techniques to identify and discriminate Meloidogyne species that are more common in tropical regions. This was done aiming to validate the multiplex PCR technique for the diagnosis of these organisms and to complement the identification based on morphology. Specific primers, used in molecular techniques, to identify the main Meloidogyne species in tropical regions and multiplex PCR, for multiple and rapid detection, were tested. The primers Fjav-1 and Rjav-1, Fexi-1 and Rexi-1, Finc-1 and Rinc-1, and Fpar-1 and Rpar-1, except Fent-1/Rent-1 for M. enterolobii and the conditions of PCR, are adequate to detect and discriminate M. enterolobii, M. exigua, M. incognita, M. javanica and M. paranaensis. This approach, which only requires the DNA extracted from the nematodes, is a simple, fast and reliable diagnostic technique for the main tropical Meloidogyne species.