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Summary
The stem nematode Ditylenchus dipsaci is a quarantine organism for bulbous crops in the Netherlands. In particular, the presence of the tulip race of this nematode leads to extensive measures for the growers. The existing identification method for the tulip race takes at least 2 months, reason enough for the development of fast alternatives. The first method is based on the fast reproduction of stem nematodes on tissue culture material from tulip, hyacinth or narcissus. The tulip race of D. dipsaci can multiply significantly within 2 weeks on all plants, whereas for instance the hyacinth race can multiply solely on hyacinth shoots. A DNA-based identification method is in development. Markers, derived from random amplified polymorphic DNA of the D. dipsaci races, were found for the tulip race and for the hyacinth and narcissus races. With nested primers, developed within these markers identification of the races is possible within 2 days. The validity of these tests is currently under investigation.