Real-Time PCR to Phenotype Resistance to the Citrus Nematode Tylenchulus semipenetrans Cobb.

Abstract

As pest management options, such as nematicides, become more restrictive, developing rootstocks resistant to the citrus nematode is fundamental for citrus production. This study provides an updated methodology to screen for citrus nematode resistance in rootstock-breeding programs. We developed a novel method to extract female citrus nematodes from roots that is suitable for molecular work and a real-time-PCR-based nematode quantification method for Tylenchulus semipenetrans. These procedures allow scaling up screening to high-throughput workflows, increasing the chances of finding rootstock candidates that combine all the desired traits. Our results contribute to the growing literature supporting quantification of nematodes with molecular methods.