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Title: Morphological and molecular characterization of Pratylenchus lentis n. sp. (Nematoda: Pratylenchidae) from Sicily

Author
item TROCCOLI, ALBERTO - CNR, IPP, BARI, ITALY
item DE LUCA, FRANCESCA - CNR, IPP, BARI, ITALY
item Handoo, Zafar
item DI VITO, MAURO - CNR, IPP, BARI, ITALY

Submitted to: Journal of Nematology
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 8/28/2008
Publication Date: 9/1/2008
Citation: Troccoli, A., De Luca, F., Handoo, Z.A., Di Vito, M. 2008. Morphological and molecular characterization of Pratylenchus lentis n. sp. (Nematoda: Pratylenchidae) from Sicily. Journal of Nematology. 40:190-196.

Interpretive Summary: Nematodes are microscopic worms that feed on plant roots and cause global crop losses exceeding $100 billion annually. Lesion nematodes are one of the most economically destructive groups of plant-parasitic nematodes. A major problem with determining the extent of crop loss due to lesion nematodes is that the nematodes present in many areas are unknown. In this study, researchers from Italy in collaboration with an ARS scientist from Beltsville, Maryland describe and illustrate one new species of lesion nematodes from lentil in Sicily, Italy. Methods for identifying the new species were developed and were based on anatomical features obtained with light microscopes, as well as DNA sequence data and host range tests. The results are significant because they provide valuable details that allow this new species to be identified. This research will be of use to scientists, growers, action agencies and extension agencies involved in nematode research and control.

Technical Abstract: Pratylenchus lentis n. sp. parasitizing roots of lentil in Sicily, Italy, is described and illustrated. The new species is characterized by a high lip region with three annuli, stylet mean length of 16 micrometers with anteriorly flattened knobs, cylindrical body with a relatively anterior vulva, large and ovoid spermatheca full of sperm, plump tail with truncate, irregularly annulated terminus, and by the presence of males. Molecular ITS-RFLP and sequencing analyses of the new species showed clear differences from other morphologically closely related species, such as P. thornei and P. mediterraneus. Preliminary host range tests revealed that chickpea, pea, faba bean and durum wheat are good hosts of P. lentis n. sp.; common bean, alfalfa and barley are hosts; whereas tomato, pepper, eggplant, melon, and sunflower are poor hosts for the nematode.