Diagnostic Identification of Meloidogyne Species to Expedite Pathogen Detection in Row Crops

In order to cut out the time consuming techniques of current nematode identification practices, a molecular system has been implemented.  This molecular technique cuts the identification time from thirty to forty five days down to as few as two to three days.  The protocol involves the use of a single Meloidogyne (root knot) juvenile placed in a droplet of water, which is then ruptured and immediately added to a PCR mixture.  This mixture is amplified with primers specific to several of the most common Meloidogyne species, including M. incognita, M. arenaria, M. javanica, M. hapla, M. chitwoodi, and M. enterolobii.  Currently, samples are being collected from all over the state of Alabama to further develop this diagnostic assay, as well as to gain an idea of the specific species currently inhabiting the state.  So far, the assay has successfully identified various populations to be Meloidogyne incognita, and no other species have been detected.  Once multiple populations of various species have been identified and collected, we plan to run field trials to monitor how these populations interact throughout the growing season in Alabama.