Research Project: Plant-associated Nematode Management and Systematics and USDA Nematode Collection Curation

Location: Mycology and Nematology Genetic Diversity and Biology Laboratory

Publications (Clicking on the reprint icon will take you to the publication reprint.)

Beech leaf disease symptom detection using deep learning and computer vision tools - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Waldo, B.D., Reis Vieira, P.C., Borden, M., Li, S. 2026. Beech leaf disease symptom detection using deep learning and computer vision tools. Journal of Nematology. 58(1):66-77. https://doi.org/10.2478/jofnem-2026-0011.

Enhanced acid fuchsin staining for visualization of foliar nematodes using brightfield and fluorescence microscopy - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Reis Vieira, P.C., Waldo, B.D., Wolf, E. 2026. Enhanced acid fuchsin staining for visualization of foliar nematodes using brightfield and fluorescence microscopy. Journal of Nematology. 58(1):44-54. https://doi.org/10.2478/jofnem-2026-0008.

Beech leaf disease: a new threat to beech forest ecosystems - (Review Article)

Comparative genomics analysis of three species of root-lesion nematodes, Pratylenchus spp., suggests an intricate evolutionary origin of effector genes - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Ste-Croix, D., Reis Vieira, P.C., Mimee, B. 2026. Comparative genomics analysis of three species of root-lesion nematodes, Pratylenchus spp., suggests an intricate evolutionary origin of effector genes. Phytopathology. 116(4):637-646. https://doi.org/10.1094/PHYTO-05-25-0170-R.

Genome reannotation and gland-specific transcriptome analysis identify new effector candidates in Meloidogyne chitwoodi - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Telxeira, M., Ko, I., Bali, S., Reis Vieira, P.C., Maier, T., Baum, T., Cynthia, G. 2025. Genome reannotation and gland-specific transcriptome analysis identify new effector candidates in Meloidogyne chitwoodi. PLoS Pathogens. 21(11). Article e1013075. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.ppat.1013075.

Global comparative genomics of the burrowing nematode, Radopholus similis - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Wram, C.L., Hesse, C.N., Humphreys-Pereira, D., Reis Vieira, P.C., Eves-Van Den Akker, S., Myers, R.Y., Coyne, D., Digennaro, P., Lopez-Nicora, H., Cedeño Ramírez, A., Emmanuel, O., Saikai, K., Duncan, L., Guzmán-Piedrahita, O., Adewuyi, D., Cobon, J., Chinnarsri, B., Inserra, R., Zasada, I.A. 2026. Global comparative genomics of the burrowing nematode, Radopholus similis. PhytoFrontiers. 6(2):251-265. https://doi.org/10.1094/PHYTOFR-08-25-0072-R.

Morphological ambiguity between Chambersiella Cobb, 1920 and Geraldius Sanwal, 1971: a taxonomic dilemma solved through a note from N. A. Cobb - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Eisenback, J.D., Reis Vieira, P.C. 2025. Morphological ambiguity between Chambersiella Cobb, 1920 and Geraldius Sanwal, 1971: a taxonomic dilemma solved through a note from N.A. Cobb. Journal of Nematology. 57(1): Article e20250051. https://doi.org/10.2478/jofnem-2025-0051.

Molecular insights into migratory plant-parasitic nematodes - (Review Article)

Selection of stable real-time quantitative PCR reference genes for the beech leaf disease nematode Litylenchus crenatae - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Wolf, E., Marra, R., Reis Vieira, P.C. 2025. Selection of stable real-time quantitative PCR reference genes for the beech leaf disease nematode Litylenchus crenatae. Forest Pathology. 55(5). Article e70039. https://doi.org/10.1111/efp.70039.

Developing fluopyram as a tool to combat beech leaf disease in managed landscapes and nurseries - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Borden, M., Reis Vieira, P.C., Littlejohn, C., Zack, J., Sherwood, M., Stiller, A., Fite, K., Loyd, A. 2025. Developing fluopyram as a tool to combat beech leaf disease in managed landscapes and nurseries. Journal of Nematology. 57(1). Article e20250042. https://doi.org/10.2478/jofnem-2025-0042.

‘Candidatus Pseudomonas auctus’ sp. nov. JDE115 isolated from nodules on soybean (Glycines max) - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Ali, M., Mony, F., Evans, M., Rideout, S., Haak, D., Reis Vieira, P.C., Eisenback, J.D. 2025. ‘Candidatus Pseudomonas auctus’ sp. nov. JDE115 isolated from nodules on soybean (Glycines max). PLOS ONE. 20(9). Article e0331920. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0331920.

First report of Meloidogyne enterolobii infecting tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) in Texas, United States - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Rondon, M.N., Baugh, B., Chagoya, J., Skantar, A.M., Handoo, Z.A. 2025. First report of Meloidogyne enterolobii infecting tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) in Texas, United States. Plant Disease. 109:2230. https://doi.org/10.1094/PDIS-04-25-0740-PDN.

Characterization of tobacco ringspot virus and its nematode vector,Xiphinema rivesi, infecting highbush blueberry in Washington State - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Mitra, A., Jarugula, S., Akinbade, S.A., Handoo, Z.A., Kantor, M., Mowery, J.D., Naidu, R.A. 2025. Characterization of tobacco ringspot virus and its nematode vector, Xiphinema rivesi, infecting highbush blueberry in Washington State. Plant Disease. https://doi.org/10.1094/PDIS-10-24-2236-RE.

Phenological evaluation of bud retention, leaf production, and nematode abundance associated with beech leaf disease - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Mcintire, C., Reis Vieira, P.C. 2025. Phenological evaluation of bud retention, leaf production, and nematode abundance associated with beech leaf disease. Forest Pathology. 55(2). Article e70014. https://doi.org/10.1111/efp.70014.

Cellular dynamics of beech leaf disease on Fagus sylvatica - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Pitts, M., Kantor, M., Jansen, M.A., Burke, D., Reis Vieira, P.C. 2025. Cellular dynamics of beech leaf disease on Fagus sylvatica. Plant Pathology. https://doi.org/10.1111/ppa.14101.

Saponins, the unexplored secondary metabolites in plant defense: opportunities in integrated pest management - (Review Article)
Shakeel, A., Noor, J., Jan, U., Gul, A., Handoo, Z.A., Ashraf, N. 2025. Saponins, the unexplored secondary metabolites in plant defense: opportunities in integrated pest management. Plants. 14(6):861. https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14060861.

Preliminary evaluation of nematode community responses to ground covers in jute leaf cultivation - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Waldo, B.D., Arlotta, C.G., Richardson, M.L. 2025. Preliminary evaluation of nematode community responses to ground covers in jute leaf cultivation. Advances in Horticultural Science. 39(1):11-20. https://doi.org/10.36253/ahsc-16960.

The SUbventral-Gland Regulator (SUGR-1) of nematode virulence - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Pellegrin, C., Damm, A., Sperling, A., Molloy, B., Long, J., Brett, P., Diaz, A., Lynch, S., Reis Vieira, P.C., Eves-Van Den Akker, S., Senatori, B., Meijas, J., Kumar, A., Maier, T. 2025. The SUbventral-Gland Regulator (SUGR-1) of nematode virulence. Journal of the National Academy of Sciences. 122(11). Article e2415861122. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2415861122.

Deciphering the vectors: unveiling the local dispersal of Litylenchus crenatae ssp. mccannii in the American beech (Fagus grandifolia) forest ecosystem - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Goraya, M., Kantor, C., Reis Vieira, P.C., Martin, D.K., Kantor, M. 2024. Deciphering the vectors: unveiling the local dispersal of Litylenchus crenatae ssp. mccannii in the American beech (Fagus grandifolia) forest ecosystem. PLOS ONE. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0311830.

Root-knot nematodes - (Book / Chapter)
Handoo, Z.A., Hunt, D.J., Habteweld, A. 2025. Root-knot nematodes. CAB International United Kingdom. Practical Plant Nematology. United Kingdom: CABI. p, 266-306. https://doi.org/10.1079/9781836990413.0011.

Morphological and molecular characters of two Helicotylenchus species from South Africa and relationship of selected soil parameters with H. pseudorobustus - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Shokoohi, E., Rensburg, C.V., Handoo, Z.A., Masoko, P. 2024. Morphological and molecular characters of two Helicotylenchus species from South Africa and relationship of selected soil parameters with H. pseudorobustus. Biologia. 79:3349-3359. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11756-024-01785-4.

Draft genome resource of a Wolbachia Endosymbiont in Heterodera humuli - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Núñez-Rodríguez, L., Wram, C.L., Hesse, C.N., Zasada, I.A. 2024. Draft genome resource of a Wolbachia Endosymbiont in Heterodera humuli. PhytoFrontiers. 4(4):832-836. https://doi.org/10.1094/PHYTOFR-05-24-0054-A.

The origin, deployment, and evolution of a plant-parasitic nematode effectorome - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Molloy, B., Shi, D., Long, J., Pellegrin, C., Senatori, B., Reis Vieira, P.C., Thorpe, P., Damm, A., Ahmad, M., Eves-Van Den Akker, S., Derevnina, L., Wei, S., Sperling, A., Estevez, E., Bruty, S., Hugo, V., Kranse, O., Maier, T., Baum, T. 2024. The origin, deployment, and evolution of a plant-parasitic nematode effectorome. PLoS Pathogens. e1012395. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.ppat.1012395.

Genome announcement: draft genome assembly of Heterodera humuli generated using long-read sequencing - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Nunez-Rodriguez, L.A., Wram, C.L., Hesse, C.N., Zasada, I.A. 2024. Genome announcement: draft genome assembly of Heterodera humuli generated using long-read sequencing. Journal of Nematology. 56(1). Article 20240029. https://doi.org/10.2478/jofnem-2024-0029.

Harnessing walnut-based zinc oxide nanoparticles: a sustainable approach to combat disease complex of Meloidogyne arenaria and Macrophomina phaseolina in Cowpea - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Hussain, A.M., Parveen, G., Bhat, A.H., Reshi, Z.A., Ataya, F.S., Handoo, Z.A. 2024. Harnessing walnut-based zinc oxide nanoparticles: a sustainable approach to combat disease complex of Meloidogyne arenaria and Macrophomina phaseolina in Cowpea. Plants. 13(13):1743. https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13131743.

Understanding the dynamic interactions of root-knot nematodes and their host: role of plant growth promoting bacteria and abiotic factors - (Review Article)
Habteweld, A., Kantor, M.R., Kantor, C.M., Handoo, Z.A. 2024. Understanding the dynamic interactions of root-knot nematodes and their host: role of plant growth promoting bacteria and abiotic factors. Frontiers in Plant Science. 15:1377453. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2024.1377453.

Morphological and molecular characterization of Boleodorus volutus in the United States from the rhizosphere of medicinal hemp - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Skantar, A.M., Kantor, M.R., Carta, L.K., Hult, M.N., Handoo, Z.A. 2024. Morphological and molecular characterization of Boleodorus volutus in the United States from the rhizosphere of medicinal hemp. Nematropica. 54:87-95.

Rapid assessment of beech leaf disease in Fagus sylvatica buds - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Wolf, E., Reis Vieira, P.C. 2024. Rapid assessment of beech leaf disease in Fagus sylvatica buds. Forest Pathology. 54(2):e12858. https://doi.org/10.1111/efp.12858.

Plant-parasitic nematode genera associated with turfgrass in Maryland golf courses and athletic fields - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Shahoveisi, F., Waldo, B.D. 2024. Plant-parasitic nematode genera associated with turfgrass in Maryland golf courses and athletic fields. Plant Pathology Journal. 40(3):272-281. https://doi.org/10.5423/PPJ.OA.11.2023.0157.

Subsurface seep irrigation effects on Omnivorous Nematode vertical distribution in Lysimeters - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Waldo, B.D., Crow, W.T., Mendes, M.L. 2024. Subsurface seep irrigation effects on Omnivorous Nematode vertical distribution in Lysimeters. Plant Health Progress. 25(2):185–192. https://doi.org/10.1094/PHP-08-23-0070-RS.

Morphological and molecular characterization of Longidorus patuxenticus n. sp. (Nematoda: Longidoridae) from Maryland and California, USA - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Kantor, M., Subbotin, S., Im, B., Handoo, Z.A. 2023. Morphological and molecular characterization of Longidorus patuxenticus n. sp. (Nematoda: Longidoridae) from Maryland and California, USA. Nematology. 26{2):1. https://doi.org/10.1163/15685411-bja10296.

First report of barley root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne naasi from turfgrass in Idaho, with multigene molecular characterization - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Skantar, A.M., Handoo, Z.A., Kantor, M.R., Hult, M.N. 2023. First report of barley root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne naasi from turfgrass in Idaho, with multigene molecular characterization. Journal of Nematology. 55(1). Article e2023-1. https://doi.org/10.2478/jofnem-2023-0051.

Cellular insights of beech leaf disease reveal abnormal ectopic cell division of symptomatic interveinal leaf areas - (Peer Reviewed Journal)

First report of molecular variability of Belonolaimus longicaudatus associated with turfgrass in Maryland - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Waldo, B.D., Li, S., Handoo, Z.A., Skantar, A.M., Shahoveisi, F., Habteweld, Alemayehu 2024. First report of molecular variability of Belonolaimus longicaudatus associated with turfgrass in Maryland. Journal of Nematology. 56(1). Article e20s4-1. https://doi.org/10.2478/jofnem-2024-0026.

Phytoparasitic nematodes on some plant crops in northern Egypt - (Abstract Only)

Bursaphelenchus mucronatus (Nematoda: Parasitaphelenchidae) associated with Monochamus galloprovincialis from Bosnia and Herzegovina and Georgia - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Cermak, V., Njezic, B., Nazarashvili, N., Gvritishvili, E., Tomankova, K., Orsagova, H., Majeska, M., Foit, J., Reis Vieira, P.. 2023. Bursaphelenchus mucronatus (Nematoda: Parasitaphelenchidae) associated with Monochamus galloprovincialis from Bosnia and Herzegovina and Georgia. Helminthologia. 60(3):227-239. https://doi.org/10.2478/helm-2023-0029.

Molecular characterization of horse nettle virus A, a new member of subgroup B in the genus Nepovirus - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Zhou, J., Hu, X., Reis Vieira, P.C., Atha, B., Mcfarland, C., Foster, J., Hurtado-Gonzales, O. 2023. Molecular characterization of horse nettle virus A, a new member of subgroup B in the genus Nepovirus. Archives of Virology. 168:Article 86. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00705-023-05708-7

Identification and reproduction of dagger nematode (Xiphinema americanum) in potato - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Goraya, M., Yan, G., Plaisance, A., Handoo, Z.A. 2023. Identification and reproduction of dagger nematode (Xiphinema americanum) in potato. Nematology. 25(9):1-13.

Root-knot nematodes produce functional mimics of tyrosine-sulfated plant peptides - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Yimer, H.Z., Luu, D.D., Coomer, A., Ercoli, M.F., Reis Vieira, P.C., Williamson, V.M., Ronald, P.C., Siddique, S. 2023. Root-knot nematodes produce functional mimics of tyrosine-sulfated plant peptides. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS). https://doi,org/10.1073/pnas.2304612120.

Elucidating the potential of fly ash in root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) suppression on okra (Abelmoschus es-culentus L.): insights into cellular viability and host defence system - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Bhat, A.A., Shakeel, A., Waqar, S., Handoo, Z.A., Khan, A.A. 2023. Elucidating the potential of fly ash in root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) suppression on okra (Abelmoschus es-culentus L.): insights into cellular viability and host defence system. Physiological and Molecular Plant Pathology. 126(1):Article 102042. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pmpp.2023.102042.

Nematode problems in temperate fruits and their sustainable management - (Book / Chapter)
Shokoohi, E., Handoo, Z.A., Elshishka, M., Salama, A. 2023. Nematode problems in temperate fruits and their sustainable management. In: M.R. Khan, and M. Quintanilla., editors. Nematode Diseases of Crops and their Sustainable Management. Cambridge, MA USA. Elsevier Inc. p.375-426. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-91226-6.00021-3.

Current status of genera and species of phytoparasitic nematodes in Egypt - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Ibrahim, I.K., Kantor, M., Handoo, Z.A. 2023. Current status of genera and species of phytoparasitic nematodes in Egypt. Nematropica. 53:16-29.

Microbes vs. Nematodes: Insights into biocontrol through antagonistic organisms to control root-knot nematodes - (Review Article)
Bhat, A.A., Shakeel, A., Waqar, S., Handoo, Z.A., Khan, A.A. 2023. Microbes vs. Nematodes: Insights into biocontrol through antagonistic organisms to control root-knot nematodes. Plants. 12(451):1-21. https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12030451.

Molecular and morphological characterization of Tylenchus zeae n. sp. (Nematoda: Tylenchida) from Corn (Zea mays) in South Carolina - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Kantor, M.R., Handoo, Z.A., Subbotin, S.A., Mowery, J.D., Hult, M.N., Rogers, S.T., Skantar, A.M. 2023. Molecular and morphological characterization of Tylenchus zeae n. sp. (Nematoda: Tylenchida) from Corn (Zea mays) in South Carolina. Journal of Nematology. 55(1):1-13. https://doi.org/10.2478/jofnem-2023-0003.

First report of the beech leaf disease nematode Litylenchus crenatae mccannii (Nematoda: Anguinidae) in Michigan - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Reis Vieira, P.C., Kantor, M.R., Medina-Mora, C.M., Sakalidis, M.L., Handoo, Z.A. 2023. First report of the beech leaf disease nematode Litylenchus crenatae mccannii (Nematoda: Anguinidae) in Michigan. Journal of Nematology. https://doi.org/10.1094/PDIS-10-22-2468-PDN.

Pathogenicity and control of the citrus nematode Tylenchulus semipenetrans on some citrus, grape, olive, loquat, and persimmon species and cultivars - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Ibrahim, I.K.A., Abu Habib, A.A., Kantor, M., Handoo, Z.A. 2022. Pathogenicity and control of the citrus nematode Tylenchulus semipenetrans on some citrus, grape, olive, loquat, and persimmon species and cultivars. Nematropica. 52:79-84.

Molecular and morphological characterization of fresh and 20-year-old fixed nematode specimens of Sauertylenchus maximus (Allen, 955) Siddiqi, 2000 from Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia, USA - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Kantor, M.R., Reis Vieira, P.C., Skantar, A.M., Huse, G., Handoo, Z.A. 2022. Molecular and morphological characterization of fresh and 20-year-old fixed nematode specimens of Sauertylenchus maximus (Allen, 955) Siddiqi, 2000 from Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia, USA. Journal of Nematology. 54(1):Article 2022-0041. https://doi.org/10.2478/jofnem-2022-0041.