Molecular characters of Boleodorus thylactus (Nematoda) associated with avocado (Persea americana) using ITS rDNA from regions of South Africa

Plant-parasitic nematodes are the main challenge for fruit production in Limpopo Province, South Africa. Besides, the family Tylenchidae are ectoparasite, affecting the yield in a high population. Boleodorus species are not being reported from avocado in South Africa; therefore, its identification is vital to avocado farmers. Hence, molecular study for its accurate identification is needed. This molecular study was conducted in 2022 at the University of Limpopo to identify the nematodes from South African soil associated with crops and trees. First, the recovered nematode was extracted using the tray method, and then its DNA was extracted using the chelex method. Afterward, ITS rDNA was amplified using specific primers to identify the nematode. The Nblast analysis based on the ITS rDNA showed 100% similarity with a population of Boleodorus thylactus (MZ099822, MZ099823) from Canada. In addition, phylogenetic analysis using the maximum likelihood method as implemented in mega x software was done. The phylogenetic analysis put the South African populations of B. thylactus together with other B. thylactus with a 100-bootstrap value. In conclusion, this species’ diversity needs to be investigated to determine the impact of this nematode on the avocado yield.