ARS | Publication request: A NEW ROOT-KNOT NEMATODE (MELOIDOGYNE SP.) PARASITIZING PEACH (PRUNUS PERSICA) IN FLORIDA, UNITED STATES, WITH OBSERVATIONS ON ITS MORPHOLOGICAL, MOLECULAR AND DIFFERENTIAL-HOST CHARACTERIZATION

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: April 25, 2004
Publication Date: June 14, 2004
Citation: Handoo, Z.A., Nyczepir, A.P., Esmenjaud, D., Van Der Beek, J.G., Castagnone-Sereno, P., Carta, L.K., Skantar, A.M. 2004. A new root-knot nematode (meloidogyne sp.) parasitizing peach (prunus persica) in florida, united states, with observations on its morphological, molecular and differential-host characterization. Proceedings of the 27th ESN International Symposium, Rome, Italy: #224:108-109.

Technical Abstract: A new root-knot nematode, (Meloidogyne sp.), was found parasitic on Nemaguard peach roots(Prunus persica) at Gainesville, Florida, United States. This new species resembles M. incognita, M. christiei, M. graminicola and M. hispanica, but LM and SEM observations indicate that it differs from these species either by the following: body length, shape of head, tail and tail terminus of second-stage juveniles; body length and shape of spicules in males; and distinctive female perineal pattern. This pattern has a high to narrowly rounded arch with coarsely broken and network-like striae in and around the anal area, faint lateral lines interrupting transverse striae, a sunken vulva and anus, and large, distinct phasmids. Second-stage juveniles possess a broad to bluntly rounded terminus. Males include both short and long forms. Molecular data from ribosomal IGS illustrate that Meloidogyne sp. is different from the mitotic species M. arenaria, M. incognita and M. javanica. Data from RAPDs confirm this and suggest that the new species lies in an intermediate phylogenetic position between the previous species and the meiotic species M. hapla, M. fallax and M. chitwoodi. Differential host tests based on annual crops and on Prunus accessions are reported. Considering the morphological, molecular and differential host-characteristics, we consider this root-knot nematode on peach as unique among all other species of root-knot nematodes previously described. Additional information regarding the distribution of this nematode within the region and its economic importance in peach and other cultivated crops is under investigation.