PCR amplification of important developmental genes of the plant-parasitic nematode M. incognita

Targeting developmental genes of Meloidogyne incognita a devastating crop pest through RNAi can serve as a probable management option. In search of the potential target we have selected two genes namely Mei-1 and Ima-2 based on their function in the model nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. Gene Mei-1is involved in oocyte maturation, while the Ima-2 plays a role in germline development. In silico exploration of the M. incognita genome through homology search tools BLASTn and tBLASTx yielded Minc3s02989g32324 (1682bp) which is a homolog of Mei-1 while Minc3s03851g34979 (1590 bp) a homolog of Ima-2. Primers were developed for both the genes using primer 3 plus software.Polymerase chain reaction followed by gel electrophoresis confirmed the presence of these two genes in M. incognita. These are partial sequences of 215bp for Mei-1 and 238bp for Ima-2. Since their presence has been reiterated, we can target these two genes through RNAi to decipher their functionality in M. incognita. Once their functional role confirmed, these two genes may serve as a potential target for managing this notorious crop pest.