biostudies-literatureFatemi EThe German Federal Ministry of Education and ResearchChristian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel12602https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC10400682biostudies-literatureUnknown13(1)Root lesion nematodes (RLN) of the genus Pratylenchus are causing significant damage in cereal production worldwide. Due to climate change and without efficient and environment-friendly treatments, the damages through RLNs are predicted to increase. Microscopic assessments of RLNs in the field and the greenhouses are time-consuming and laborious. As a result, cereal breeders have mostly ignored this pest. We present a method measuring RLN in infected cereal roots using a standardized PCR approach. Publicly available Pratylenchus neglectus primer combinations were evaluated. An optimal primer combination for RT-qPCR assay was identified to detect and quantify P. neglectus within infected cereal roots. Using the RT-qPCR detection assay, P. neglectus could be clearly distinguished from other Scientific reportsDNA-based assessment of root lesion nematode infections in cereal roots.PMC10400682031B0186AMelzer SJung CFatemi EfalseDNA-based assessment of root lesion nematode infections in cereal roots.Root lesion nematodes (RLN) of the genus Pratylenchus are causing significant damage in cereal production worldwide. Due to climate change and without efficient and environment-friendly treatments, the damages through RLNs are predicted to increase. Microscopic assessments of RLNs in the field and the greenhouses are time-consuming and laborious. As a result, cereal breeders have mostly ignored this pest. We present a method measuring RLN in infected cereal roots using a standardized PCR approach. Publicly available Pratylenchus neglectus primer combinations were evaluated. An optimal primer combination for RT-qPCR assay was identified to detect and quantify P. neglectus within infected cereal roots. Using the RT-qPCR detection assay, P. neglectus could be clearly distinguished from other 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z2023 Aug2026-05-28T21:37:29.666Z2024-11-08T10:01:34.644ZS-EPMC104006823753726110.1038/s41598-023-39559-8