Molecular identification of Meloidogyne species isolated from potato in China and evaluation of the response of potato genotypes to these isolates

Abstract

Summary Root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) are one of the most economically important groups of plant-parasitic nematodes on potato (Solanum tuberosum), but there has been little study regarding their occurrence on potato in China. In this study, the nematodes in two nematode-infected potato samples collected from Yunnan Province were identified as Meloidogyne spp. Amplicon sizes with species-specific PCR primers indicated that one sample was M. javanica and the other was M. incognita. Cultures established from these two isolates were used to screen 28 potato genotypes in China. All genotypes were susceptible to both M. javanica and M. incognita. However, the mean root galling index and number of egg masses were generally higher for M. javanica than M. incognita. Variable susceptibility was demonstrated among the tested potato genotypes. No available resistant potato cultivars plus a rapid spread of Meloidogyne spp. will result in a potential threat to potato production in China.