Use of genomic DNA restriction fragment length differences to identify nematode species

Abstract

Restriction endonuclease digestion of genomic DNA generates DNA fragments of unique size, dependent upon the particular base sequence. Following fractionation by agarose gel electrophoresis, repetitive DNA can be visualized as distinct bands in stained gels and the restriction fragment length of such bands used as diagnostic characters. Restriction fragment length differences were detected between species within the genera Trichinella, Caenorhabditis, Romanomermis, Steinernema (syn. Neoaplectana) and Meloidogyne. This technique provides a new tool for the taxonomist, which is independent of phenotypic variation and it enables the rapid and reliable separation of closely related species.