Detection of Root-Knot Nematode Meloidogyne luci Infestation of Potato Tubers Using Hyperspectral Remote Sensing and Real-Time PCR Molecular Methods

Abstract

Root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) are considered the most aggressive, damaging, and economically important group of plant-parasitic nematodes and represent a significant limiting factor for potato (Solanum tuberosum) production and tuber quality. Meloidogyne luci has previously been shown to be a potato pest having significant reproductive potential on the potato. In this study we showed that M. luci may develop a latent infestation without visible symptoms on the tubers. This latent infestation may pose a high risk for uncontrolled spread of the pest, especially via seed potato. We developed efficient detection methods to prevent uncontrolled spread of M. luci via infested potato tubers. Using hyperspectral imaging and a molecular approach to detection of nematode DNA with real-time PCR, it was possible to detect M. luci in both heavily infested potato tubers and tubers without visible symptoms. Detection of infested tubers with hyperspectral imaging achieved a 100% success rate, regardless of tuber preparation. The real-time PCR approach detected M. luci with high sensitivity.