Identification of root-knot nematode species (Meloidogyne spp.) (Nemata: Meloidogynidae) in the potato fields of Central Anatolia (Turkey) using molecular and morphological methods

Abstract

Root-knot nematodes are considered to be the world’s most damaging plant parasitic nematodes. Meloidogyne chitwoodi and Meloidogyne fallax are quarantined organisms in Europe and Turkey, and special regulations exist for planting and transporting seed potatoes in order to control these organisms. M. chitwoodi, was firstly identified from infected potato tubers collected from Nigde and after that it was determined in Nevsehir, Izmir, Balikesir, Kutahya, Manisa and Bitlis provinces in Turkey. This study was conducted in 2009 with the aim of identifying Meloidogyne spp. species in Central Anatolia, which is the most important potato production region of Turkey. 73 samples in total were collected from Nigde (49 samples), Nevsehir (18), Aksaray (2), Isparta (2), Kayseri (1), and Konya (1) provinces of Turkey. All populations were identified using molecular methods, also fifteen selected populations were identified based on their morphological and morphometric features. Morphological characters and morphometric measurements were taken from the perineal pattern of mature females, second-stage juveniles, and eggs. Two different PCR protocols were used: (1) JMV1, JMV2 and JMV hapla multiplex PCR primers and (2) Fc and Rc species specific primers. Also sequence analysis was used for molecular identification. Results obtained both from morphological and molecular methods showed that all populations were positive for M. chitwoodi and there is no evidence was found regarding the existence of M. fallax or the other Meloidogyne species.