ARS | Publication request: Molecular diagnostics of potato cyst nematodes (PCN) from the national survey

Submitted to: Journal of Nematology
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: April 30, 2010
Publication Date: July 12, 2010
Citation: Skantar, A.M., Handoo, Z.A., Carta, L.K., Chitwood, D.J. 2010. Molecular diagnostics of potato cyst nematodes (PCN) from the national survey [abstract]. Journal of Nematology. 42(3):268.

Technical Abstract: The potato cyst nematodes (PCN) Globodera rostochiensis and G. pallida are regulated pathogens of potato, a crop worth nearly $3.9 billion in the United States. Since the initial discovery of G. pallida in Idaho in 2006, extensive surveys of the major potato growing acreage have been carried out, to determine the extent of PCN distribution and to ensure that appropriate steps are taken to prevent further infestation. Material suspected to contain PCN cysts is typically analyzed by morphological and molecular means at the USDA Nematology Laboratory in Beltsville, MD. Molecular confirmation of species identity has been achieved through amplification of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS-rDNA) using species-specific multiplex PCR, by analysis of restriction site polymorphisms (PCR-RFLPs), and if necessary, through DNA sequencing. Methods that allow discrimination of morphologically similar tobacco cyst nematode (TCN) from PCN have recently been developed. Assay validation, real-time PCR, and issues relevant to the future of PCN diagnostics will be discussed.