Abstract
Distinct populations of the potato cyst nematode (PCN) Globodera pallida exist in the UK that differ in their ability to overcome various sources of resistance. An efficient method for distinguishing between populations would enable pathogen‐informed cultivar choice in the field. Science and Advice for Scottish Agriculture (SASA) annually undertake national DNA diagnostic tests to determine the presence of PCN in potato seed and ware land by extracting DNA from soil floats. These DNA samples provide a unique resource for monitoring the distribution of PCN and further interrogation of the diversity within species.We identify a region of mitochondrial DNA descriptive of three main groups of G. pallida present in the UK and adopt a metagenetic approach to the sequencing and analysis of all SASA samples simultaneously. Using this approach, we describe the distribution of G. pallida mitotypes across Scotland with field‐scale resolution. Most fields contain a single mitotype, one‐fifth contain a mix of mitotypes, and less than 3% contain all three mitotypes. Within mixed fields, we were able to quantify the relative abundance of each mitotype across an order of magnitude. Local areas within mixed fields are dominated by certain mitotypes and indicate towards a complex underlying ‘pathoscape’. Finally, we assess mitotype distribution at the level of the individual cyst and provide evidence of ‘hybrids’. This study provides a method for accurate, quantitative and high‐throughput typing of up to one thousand fields simultaneously, while revealing novel insights into the national genetic variability of an economically important plant parasite.
Highlights
Cyst nematodes are microscopic obligate root parasites that cause significant economic damage; The juvenile potato cyst nematode (PCN), Globodera spp., invades host roots, establishes a feeding site and develops into a mature female or male
We identify a region of mitochondrial DNA descriptive of three main groups of G. pallida present in the UK and adopt a metagenetic approach to the sequencing and analysis of all Science and Advice for Scottish Agriculture (SASA) samples simultaneously
We demonstrate the power of a metagenetic approach to simultaneously describe the genetic diversity of an economically important plant parasite at three levels of resolution: country, field and individual animal
Summary
Cyst nematodes are microscopic obligate root parasites that cause significant economic damage; The juvenile potato cyst nematode (PCN), Globodera spp., invades host roots, establishes a feeding site and develops into a mature female or male. While males leave the root and migrate to locate a female. Females are polyandrous and each may mate with multiple males. The female’s body dries to encase the eggs in a hard cyst. Nematodes within eggs inside the cysts can remain dormant in the soil for up to 20 years (Turner 1996) and may be dispersed by wind, land cultivation, human travel and even crops. Cyst nematodes are spread across long distances. PCN is present on both EPPO and USDA quarantine organism lists
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