Fast and accurate identification of Xenorhabdus and Photorhabdus species by restriction analysis of PCR-amplified 16S rRNA genes

A restriction analysis of the PCR-amplified 16S rDNA reveals two divergent groups bacterial symbionts of entomopathogenic nematodes. Group I comprises nine genotypes, including all Xenorhabdus species and strains, and symbionts of Steinernema. Group II consists of eight genotypes, including all Photorhabdus strains and symbionts of Heterorhabditis. Amplified 16S rDNA restriction analysis is an efficient and simple method.