Morphological and molecular characterization of Meloidogyne species (Root Knot Nematodes) Associated with the Sorghum bicolor crop

Abstract

Background: Though nematode damage to Sorghum bicolor crops in Telangana has occasionally been collected and suspected, no research on the morphology and molecular characterization of Meloidogyne species (root-knot nematodes) has yet been published. The aim of the research was to describe the phenotypic and genetic characteristics of Meloidogyne species related to the Sorghum bicolor crop in Telangana, India. Results: From 60 different fields, a total of 60 rhizosphere soil samples with roots were taken, and composite soil samples were processed. Morphological characteristics like head shape, stylet morphology, perennial patterns, and body shape were used for identification. Eight (24.24%) samples out of the 33 Meloidogyne-like species detected by optical microscopy demonstrated amplification of a 1.7 kb (kilobase) fragment by polymerase chain reaction, confirming the presence of M. incognita and M. javanica. A two-banded pattern was created in M. javanica following Hinf I digestion of the 1.7-kb fragment as opposed to a three-banded pattern in M. incognita. However, no fragments representing other Meloidogyne species were observed in our study. Conclusions: We recommend the integrative taxonomic approach for the precise diagnosis of Meloidogyne species as well as morphological and molecular data must be shared to improve the resolution and dependability of studies on Etiology and phylogenetics.