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Observations on the Foliar Nematode, Aphelenchoides besseyi, Infecting Tuberose and Rice in India
Matiyar R Khan1, Zafar A Handoo, Uma Rao
1Department of Agricultural Entomology, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Nadia 741235, West Bengal, India.
Journal of Nematology
|March 14, 2013
Summary
Aphelenchoides besseyi, a foliar nematode, causes significant crop damage. Morphological and molecular analyses revealed variations in Indian populations, suggesting host or geographical influences. Indian and Russian strains were distinguishable.
Area of Science:
- Plant Nematology
- Molecular Phylogenetics
- Crop Pathology
Background:
- Aphelenchoides besseyi is a significant pest causing white tip disease in rice (Oryza sativa L.) and floral malady in tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L.).
- This nematode has a wide distribution across various Indian states, impacting crucial agricultural and horticultural crops.
- Understanding intraspecific variations is vital for effective pest management strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate intraspecific variations in Aphelenchoides besseyi populations from different geographical locations and hosts in India.
- To confirm the species identity of nematodes infecting rice and tuberose.
- To analyze molecular and morphological differences among Indian and foreign strains of A. besseyi.
Main Methods:
- Morphological observations of A. besseyi isolated from tuberose and rice.
- Molecular analysis using PCR amplification of the rDNA ITS 1 and 2 region.
- DNA sequencing, BLAST analysis, and restriction enzyme digestion (Bccl) for strain differentiation.
- Host infection tests on various plant species including rice, oat, teosinte, onion, maize, chrysanthemum, gladiolus, and Sorghum halepense.
Main Results:
- Morphological variations were observed in tail, esophageal, and anterior regions, including differences in lateral line counts.
- Molecular analysis of rDNA ITS 1 and 2 region showed high similarity (nearly 100%) between Indian rice and tuberose populations.
- Indian strains exhibited high similarity to a Russian population but were distinguishable using the restriction enzyme Bccl.
- Host tests confirmed susceptibility in rice (cv. IET 4094), oat (cv. OS-6), and teosinte (cv. TL-1), while oat germplasm lines and other tested crops/weeds remained uninfected.
Conclusions:
- Observed variations in A. besseyi populations are likely influenced by host-induced or geographical factors.
- Molecular data supports the high genetic similarity of Indian strains, with distinct differentiation possible via restriction enzyme analysis.
- The study provides valuable insights into the genetic diversity and host range of A. besseyi, crucial for developing targeted control measures.
