A novel multiplex PCR tool for simultaneous detection of three root-knot nematodes

Root-knot nematodes, Meloidogyne incognita, M. javanica and M. arenaria, cause serious yield losses in protected growing areas in Turkey. They also show a'co-infection' profile in fields' soil microflora. In this study, we designed multiplex primers for detecting all three species simultaneously. Additionally, the confidence and definition of this method were tested by using mixed and large populations related to these species at different biological stages. We suggest this effective tool be used to easily identify three root-knot nematodes that will be beneficial for designing crop rotation modelling in protected growing areas in Turkey as well as quarantine requirements.