MOLECULAR METHODS FOR THE IDENTIFICATION OF LONGIDORID NEMATODES

Abstract

Geographically different populations of Xiphinema index, X santos, X. vuittenezi and Longidorus latocephalus were used to develop a method of identification based on inter and intra-specific polymorphism of the enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD). Samples of a sufficient number of individuals were homogenized and directly loaded for an isoelectrofocusing run carried out with an automated electrophoresis system (Phast System, Pharmacia). After staining the gels for SOD activity, isoform profiles appeared to be species-specific and able to detect intraspecific variability of X. index populations. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PRC) amplification products from the Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) regions of single X. index DNA were also obtained. Modifications to the standard procedures are described.