Evaluation of High‐resolution Melting Curve Analysis as a New Tool for Root‐knot Nematode Diagnostics

In the detection of plant pests, speed and accuracy are vital. High‐resolution melting curve (HRMC) analysis was therefore evaluated as a new tool for the identification of root‐knot nematodes ( Meloidogyne spp.). On the basis of the second intergenic spacer (IGS2) region of the ribosomal DNA cistron, Meloidogyne chitwoodi , M. fallax and M. hapla were successfully distinguished from each other and the group of the three tropical species, M. incognita , M. arenaria and M. javanica . Conversely, it was shown that the IGS2 region is not suitable for the tropical species M. enterolobii (senior synonym of M. mayaguensis ) as the amplification of multiple fragments of different lengths prevented a reliable HRMC analysis. However, the obtained results provide a proof of principle that HRMC analysis can be a suitable single‐tube assay for fast and accurate root‐knot nematode identification.