Published online by Cambridge University Press: 06 April 2009
A genomic library of Meloidogyne incognita Race 1 has been prepared in the bacteriophage λgt10 and screened for specific DNA sequences by hybridization with radio-isotope labelled total genomic DNA from a number of Meloidogyne species. One clone isolated (MR1#15), although not totally species specific, clearly showed preferential hybridization to M. incognita. Following subcloning and sequencing of the 255 bp insert, four stretches of the sequence corresponding to oligonucleotides of approximately equal length (~60 bp) were synthesized and examined for specificity. One of them, MR1#15.2, showed the necessary specificity to be used as a diagnostic tool.