The use of real-time polymerase chain reaction with high resolution melting (real-time PCR-HRM) analysis for the detection and discrimination of nematodes Bursaphelenchus xylophilus and Bursaphelenchus mucronatus

•The real-time PCR-HRM analysis was developed for the detection and discrimination of Bursaphelenchus xylophilus and Bursaphelenchus mucronatus.•The results showed distinct melting curve profiles related to each of examined species.•The method may be used to detect and discriminate these both species, regardless of the life stages of nematodes and template concentrations.

The real-time PCR-HRM analysis was developed for the detection and discrimination of the quarantine nematode Bursaphelenchus xylophilus and Bursaphelenchus mucronatus. A set of primers was designed to target the ITS region of rDNA. The results have demonstrated that this analysis is a valuable tool for differentiation of these both species.