ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the uses of DNA-based taxonomic methods in nematology with particular reference to the identification of nematode species, subspecies, and other intrasubspecific forms such as races, pathotypes, and strains. The general principles of DNA analysis are presented along with detailed protocols for basic procedures. Reference is made to polymerase chain reaction techniques which, though currently not widely used in nematode taxonomy, are likely to contribute to significant advances in the near future. The choice of detailed strategies for DNA analysis is dependent on the taxonomic problem, i.e., identification or classification, the taxonomic level at which diagnosis is necessary and the required sensitivity. A general research strategy for species and race/pathotype separation that has proved useful for several taxonomic problems uses the restriction fragment length differences analysis and DNA probes dot blots.
