PCR primers designed from the gene sequence for the SEC 1 oesophageal gland protein were used to specifically
detect and differentiate the root-knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita from other species from the genus Meloidogyne.
Amplification products were obtained from five M. incognita populations from different origins whereas
DNA from M. fallax, M. javanica, M. arenaria, M. chitwoodi and M. hapla was not amplified. DNA extracted from
different materials (females, root galls and spiked soil) could easily be used for M. incognita detection. One female
gave sufficient amount of DNA for detection. Together with mitochondrial DNA this is one of the first attempts
to use a gene outside of ITS regions for species specific PCR in the genus Meloidogyne.