ITS-RFLP patterns for differentiation of 26 Bursaphelenchus species (Nematoda: Parasitaphelenchidae) and observations on their distribution

摘要

RFLP analysis of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions of ribosomal DNA has become a valuable tool for differentiation of Bursaphelenchus species. Restriction cleavage of amplified rDNA using five restriction enzymes (RsaI, HaeIII, MspI, HinfIand AluI) has provided species-specific ITS-RFLP patterns for 26 species of Bursaphelenchus and two intraspecific types so far, five of which are presented here for the first time. The technique has proved very valuable for differentiation of the pinewood nematode, B. xylophilus, from other Bursaphelenchus species during plant quarantine inspections. ITS-RFLP analysis has also been used effectively during investigations on the distribution of Bursaphelenchus species. ITS-RFLP patterns have been employed as additional identification criteria in the description of several new Bursaphelenchus species.