Immunochemical studies on pathotypes of the potato cyst nematodes, Globodera rostochiensis and G. pallida

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
The potential of antigenic differences for discriminating pathotypes of the potato cyst nematodes Globodera pallida and G. rostochiensis has been examined by the use of an antiserum raised to a homogenate of potato cyst nematode larvae. Species-specific antigens were detected among reference pathotypes but more variability was detected among field populations, and cluster analysis was used to interpret the precipitation are pattern produced by Laurell crossed-immunoelectrophoresis. A division into species was seen with this analysis but no definite pathotype groupings were detected. Cross-reaction with other cyst-nematode species was limited to general non-specific precipitation. The antigens were all proteinaceous, did not arise from micro-organisms within the cyst and were mainly hydrophilic with an acidic isoelectric point. Peptidase and acid phosphatase activity was detected in some precipitation arcs but this was not species specific.