Electrophoretic Patterns of Some Populations of Meloidogyne Arenaria and M. javanica

Root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) are important polyphagous plant parasites worldwide. Intraspecific variation and the occurrence of physiological races have necessitated the development of taxonomic techniques enabling differentiation and classification of races related to major Meloidogyne spp. Accurate identification of their races and populations is essential for determining appropriate management approaches and benefits from further characterization and understanding of the variability within a single nematode species. Electrophoretle focusing of malic dehydrogenase, ?-glycerophosphate dehydrogenase and esterase for seven populations of Meloidogyne spp. by polyacrylamide gels was tested. These populations included 1, 2 and 4 populations of M. javanica and M. arenaria race I and II, respectively. Malic Dehydrogenase profiles obtained by polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis indicated that differences between Moloidogyne arenaria and M, javainca were more pronounced than were differences between races or populations of M. arenaria. The enzyme patterns of the two species varied even though the nematodes were propagated on the same host plant (Rutgers tomato). Key words: Biochemical markers, Meloidogyne arenaria, M. javanica, root-knot nematode, molecular taxonomy.