Phylogenetic position of Aporcella simplex (Nematoda: Dorylaimida) associated with maize using 28S rDNA from South Africa

Abstract

Dorylaimida members are medium to large nematodes that live in the soil and create a balanced environment towards improving yield in various crops. Aporcella species are omnivores and, therefore, can feed on other nematodes around the roots of maize, resulting in better production. This species must be identified correctly because it is a beneficial nematode and can enhance the yield of maize through the microbial balancing of the soil. On the other hand, maize is one of the most important crops in Limpopo Province in South Africa. Therefore, this molecular study was conducted in 2023 at Limpopo University to identify the nematode from South Africa's soils using 28S rDNA marker. The recovered nematode was extracted using the tray method, and then its DNA was extracted using the Chelex method. The nematode was identified as Aporcella simplex (Thorne and Swanger). Afterwards, 28S rDNA was amplified using specific primers to identify the nematode at the molecular level. The Nblast analysis based on the large subunit ribosomal DNA showed that South African A. simplex had 99% similarity (MN262455) with the South African population. Phylogenetic analysis using maximum likelihood placed this species with those molecularly identified as A. simplex in the same clade with highly supported (100) bootstrap values. In conclusion, this species was determined using 28S rDNA; however, other rDNA markers, such as ITS rDNA and mtDNA, are recommended for a better understanding of A. simplex phylogeny.