DNA profiling of Bursaphelenchus species

A 1190-bp DNA fragment, designated X14, was isolated from a Bursaphelenchus xylophilus (isolate J10) genomic library. Used as a probe for DNA profiling, this fragment identifies the pinewood nematode (Bursaphelenchus spp.) at both the species and isolate level. The DNA profiles of a number of different species and isolates hybridised with the X14 probe, are presented. The nucleotide sequence of the 1190-bp probe was determined. Secondary structure analysis identified a large imperfect inverted repeat (IR) element within the probe which could form a large stem-loop structure in the RNA.