Molecular variability of Helicotylenchus populations in Italy

Plant-parasitic nematodes threaten global food security. Globally, nematode pests have been involved in significant yield losses that amount to over $100 billion, since at least one species can parasitize every major food crop. An accurate, rapid, and reliable identification is important to establish adequate control strategies for nematodes causing extensive damage to crops. Surveys for the detection of plant-parasitic nematodes were conducted in the rhizosphere of grapevine and maize in various areas of Italy. Nematodes were extracted from soil samples and different populations of Helicotylenchus were also collected. An integrated approach involving a combination of morphological, and molecular analysis to identify Helicotylenchus spp. was used. Molecular techniques such as Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), ITS-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) profile, and sequencing of principal molecular markers were performed. Analysis of the sequences of D2-D3, ITS, 18S rRNA genes, and the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I gene (COI) will provide us with identification of Helicotylenchus spp supported also by phylogenetic analysis.