Molecular characters of parasitic-nematode (Xiphinema index) using 18S rDNA from regions of Iran

Abstract

Aim: This molecular study was conducted in 2022 at the University of Limpopo to identify the plant-parasitic nematodes identified from Iran soil causing yield loss in crops and trees. Materials and Methods: The recovered nematode was extracted using the tray method, and then its DNA was extracted using the Chelex method. Afterward, 18S rDNA was amplified using specific primers to identify the nematode. Results: The Nblast analysis based on the small subunit ribosomal DNA showed 99% similarity with a population of Xiphinema index (JQ026520) from Iran (Kerman Province). In addition, phylogenetic analysis using the neighbor-joining method as implemented in mega x software was done. The phylogenetic analysis put the Iranian populations of X. index together with another X. index with a 100-bootstrap value. Conclusion: Despite 18S rDNA are a helpful marker for X. index identification, however, this species' diversity needs to be investigated to determine the impact of this nematode on the yield loss of the crops associated with it.