First Report of the Root-Knot Nematode Meloidogyne arenaria Infecting Noni in China

Noni (Morinda citrifolia) is an important medicinal plant and its fruit and root are of high value. In recent years, noni has been cultivated widely on Hainan Island, China. A survey of eight commercial noni fields in four counties found that most fields had plants with symptoms consistent with damage caused by root-knot nematodes. Above-ground symptoms included reduced vigor, plant stunting, and chlorosis. Affected roots were galled, swollen, cracked, and rotten. Fruit loss associated with diseased plants was quantified as 85%. In each field, three samples were taken consisting of 15 cm wide × 20 cm deep soil (containing roots). The nematode population was extracted and quantified according to Barker (1). Nematodes were found in all soil and root samples with population densities ranging from 450 to 835 eggs and second-stage juveniles (J2s) per 200 g subsample of soil, and 685 to 985 eggs and J2s per 10 g sub-sample of fresh roots. Three single egg masses were respectively hand-picked from one sample of diseased noni roots and inoculated onto tomato plants grown with sterilized soil at 20 to 28°C in the greenhouse. After 8 weeks, nematodes were extracted from the roots of tomato plants and identified by morphology, enzyme analysis, and molecular characterization. Morphology of the female perineal patterns showed a low dorsal arch with large lateral lines separating the striae of the dorsal and ventral sectors, leading to the tail terminus; and wavy, coarse striae with forking at lateral lines and short irregular striae near the lateral lines. Enzyme analysis of the esterase phenotype was also typical of the A1 phenotype in M. arenaria. Based on the perineal pattern and esterase phenotype, the Meloidogyne species was identified as M. arenaria (Est A1) (3). Total genomic DNA was extracted from ca. 10 μl of packed second-stage juveniles (J2s) using the method of Cenis (2). The primers C2F3 (5′-GGTCAATGTTCAGAAATTTGTGG-3′) and 1108 (5′-TACCTTTGACCAATCACGCT-3′) (4) was used to amplify the intergenic region between COII and LrRNA genes of the mtDNA and an amplification product (1,700 bp) was obtained, similar to M. hispanica, M. incognita, and M. javanica. Root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) have been reported to be cause disease on noni in Hawaii. However, to our knowledge, this is the first report of M. arenaria (Est A1) infecting noni in China. References: (1) K. R. Barker. Pp. 19 in: An Advanced Treatise on Meloidogyne. Vol. II, Methodology. K. R. Barker et al. eds. North Carolina State University Graphics, Raleigh, 1985. (2) J. L. Cenis. Phytopathology 83:76,1993. (3) P. E. Esbenshade and A. C. Triantaphyllou. J. Nematol. 17:6,1990. (4) T. O. Power and T. S. Harris J. Nematol. 25:1,1993.

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Comparison of host recognition, invasion, development and reproduction of Meloidogyne graminicola and M. incognita on rice and tomato

Nematology ◽

10.1163/138855410x528262 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 13 (5) ◽

pp. 509-520 ◽

Cited By ~ 19

Author(s):

Tushar K. Dutta ◽

Stephen J. Powers ◽

Brian R. Kerry ◽

Hari S. Gaur ◽

Rosane H.C. Curtis

Keyword(s):

Meloidogyne Incognita ◽

Host Recognition ◽

Cortical Region ◽

Root Knot Nematode ◽

Root Tips ◽

Root Knot Nematodes ◽

Tomato Plants ◽

Meloidogyne Graminicola ◽

Second Stage ◽

Tomato Roots

AbstractThe rice root-knot nematode Meloidogyne graminicola normally infects rice, wheat and several other graminaceous plants. Meloidogyne incognita is a serious pest of dicotyledonous crops, although it can infect and reproduce on some cereals. This paper demonstrates and compares host recognition, development and reproduction of these two species of root-knot nematodes on rice and tomato plants. Attraction bioassays in pluronic gel clearly showed that M. incognita preferred tomato roots to rice or mustard roots, whilst M. graminicola was more attracted towards rice compared with tomato or mustard roots. Based on the attraction data from this study, it can be hypothesised that either: i) the blend of attractants and repellents are different in good and poor hosts; or ii) relatively long-range attractants, together with shorter-range repellents, might affect nematode movement patterns. Some host specific attractants might also be involved. Meloidogyne incognita was able to invade and develop to adult female but did not produce eggs in rice roots. By contrast, M. graminicola developed and reproduced faster on both rice and tomato plants compared with M. incognita. Nevertheless, second-stage juveniles of both these root-knot nematodes showed a similar pattern of distribution inside the roots, preferring to accumulate at the root tips of rice or in the vascular cylinder and cortical region of tomato.

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First Report of the Root-Knot Nematode Meloidogyne ethiopica on Tomato in Slovenia

Plant Disease ◽

10.1094/pdis.2004.88.6.680c ◽

2004 ◽

Vol 88 (6) ◽

pp. 680-680 ◽

Cited By ~ 16

Author(s):

S. Širca ◽

G. Urek ◽

G. Karssen

Keyword(s):

Egg Laying ◽

Lycopersicum Esculentum ◽

Esterase Isozyme ◽

Root Knot Nematode ◽

Tomato Plants ◽

Reliable Identification ◽

First Report ◽

Second Stage ◽

Stage Juvenile ◽

Meloidogyne Ethiopica

The root-knot nematode Meloidogyne ethiopica Whitehead originally described from Tanzania is also distributed in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Ethiopia (3). Although this species is a relatively unknown root-knot nematode, M. ethiopica parasitizes several economical important crops, such as tomato, cowpea, bean, cabbage, pepper, pumpkin, tobacco, lettuce, and soybean (4). This species can be morphologically confused with M. incognita (Kofoid & White), and therefore, is probably easily overlooked (1). Recently, characteristic esterase isozyme patterns were described for this species, which provide a more reliable identification (2). In October 2003, Lycopersicum esculentum cv. Belle plants with large root-galls were observed in a greenhouse at Dornberk, Slovenia, which were identified as an unknown root-knot nematode within the M. incognita group. Subsequent sampling revealed infestation of all tomato plants within this greenhouse with obvious aboveground symptoms of stunting and wilting. Additional morphological and isozyme studies identified this root-knot nematode as M. ethiopica. The identification was based on female, male, and second-stage juvenile morphology and malate dehydrogenase and esterase isozyme phenotypes from young egg-laying females isolated from 20 tomato plants and compared with a culture of M. ethiopica from Africa. To our knowledge, this is not only the first report of M. ethiopica in Slovenia, but also the first report of this species in Europe. References: (1) A. M. Golden. Fundam. Appl. Nematol. 15:189, 1992. (2) W. Mandefro and K. Dagne. Afr. J. Plant Prot. 10:39, 2000. (3) A. G. Whitehead. Trans. Zool. Soc. Lond. 31:263, 1968. (4) A. G. Whitehead. Nematologica 15:315, 1969.

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A new root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne vitis sp. nov. (Nematoda: Meloidogynidae), parasitizing grape in Yunnan

PLoS ONE ◽

10.1371/journal.pone.0245201 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 16 (2) ◽

pp. e0245201

Author(s):

Yanmei Yang ◽

Xianqi Hu ◽

Pei Liu ◽

Li Chen ◽

Huan Peng ◽

...

Keyword(s):

New Species ◽

Rapid Identification ◽

Root Knot Nematode ◽

Morphometric Traits ◽

Head Region ◽

Root Knot Nematodes ◽

Lateral Field ◽

Sequence Characterized Amplified Region ◽

Second Stage ◽

Labial Disc

An unknown root-knot nematode was found at high density on grape roots collected from Yunnan Province. Morphometric traits and measurements, isozyme phenotypes, and molecular analysis clearly differentiated this nematode from previously described root-knot nematodes. This new species is described, illustrated and named Meloidogyne vitis sp. nov. The new species can be distinguished from other Meloidogyne spp. by a unique combination of characters. Females display a prominent neck, an excretory pore is located on the ventral region between 23rd and 25th annule behind lips, an EP/ST ratio of approximately 2.5 (1.98–2.96), a perineal pattern with two large and prominent phasmids, and a labial disc fused with the medial lips to form a dumbbell-shaped structure. Males display an obvious head region, a labial disc fused with the medial lips to form a dumbbell-shaped structure, no lateral lips, a prominent slit-like opening between the labial disc and medial lips, a distinct sunken appearance of the middle of the medial lips, and four incisures in the lateral field. Second-stage juveniles are characterized by a head region with slightly wrinkled mark, a labial disc fused with the medial lips to form a dumbbell-shaped structure, a slightly sunken appearance of the middle of the medial lips, a slit-like amphidial openings between the labial disc and lateral lips, and four incisures in the lateral field. The new species has rare Mdh (N3d) and Est phenotypes (VF1). Phylogenetic analysis based on ITS1-5.8S-ITS2, D2D3 fragments of rDNA, and coxI and coxII fragments of mtDNA sequences clearly separated the new species from other root-knot nematodes, and the closest relative was Meloidogyne mali. Meloidogyne mali was collected for amplifying these sequences as mentioned above, which were compared with the corresponding sequences of new species, the result showed that all of these sequences with highly base divergence (48–210 base divergence). Moreover, sequence characterized amplified region (SCAR) primers for rapid identification of this new species were designed.

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Local and Systemic Induced Resistance to the Root-Knot Nematode in Tomato by DL-β-Amino-n-Butyric Acid

Phytopathology ◽

10.1094/phyto.1999.89.12.1138 ◽

1999 ◽

Vol 89 (12) ◽

pp. 1138-1143 ◽

Cited By ~ 69

Author(s):

Yuji Oka ◽

Yigal Cohen ◽

Yitzhak Spiegel

Keyword(s):

Butyric Acid ◽

Foliar Spray ◽

Giant Cells ◽

Root Knot Nematode ◽

Root Knot Nematodes ◽

Tomato Plants ◽

Feeding Site ◽

Chemical Inducers ◽

Site Development ◽

Tomato Roots

Chemical inducers of pathogenesis-related proteins and plant resistance were applied to tomato plants, with the aim of inducing resistance to the root-knot nematode Meloidogyne javanica. Relative to control plants, foliar spray and soil-drenching with dl-β-amino-n-butyric acid (BABA) reduced root-galling 7 days after inoculation, as well as the number of eggs 30 days after inoculation. Other chemicals (α- and γ-amino-n-butyric acid, jasmonic acid, methyl jasmonate, and salicylic acid) were either phytotoxic to tomato plants or did not improve control of root-knot nematodes. Fewer second-stage juveniles invaded BABA-treated tomato roots, and root-galling indices were lower than in control tomato plants. Resistance phenomena in seedlings lasted at least 5 days after spraying with BABA. Nematodes invading the roots of BABA-treated seedlings induced small, vacuolate giant cells. Postinfection treatment of tomato plants with BABA inhibited nematode development. It is speculated that after BABA application tomato roots become less attractive to root-knot nematodes, physically harder to invade, or some substance(s) inhibiting nematode or nematode feeding-site development is produced in roots.

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Host Status of Lisianthus `Mariachi Lime Green' for Three Species of Root-knot Nematodes

HortScience ◽

10.21273/hortsci.39.1.120 ◽

2004 ◽

Vol 39 (1) ◽

pp. 120-123 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Martin Schochow ◽

Steven A. Tjosvold ◽

Antoon T. Ploeg

Keyword(s):

Nematode Species ◽

Meloidogyne Hapla ◽

Cut Flower ◽

Root Knot Nematode ◽

Eustoma Grandiflorum ◽

Root Knot Nematodes ◽

Tomato Plants ◽

Flower Production ◽

Significant Damage ◽

Host Status

Lisianthus [Eustoma grandiflorum (Raf.) Shinn.] plants were grown in soil infested with increasing densities of Meloidogyne hapla Chitwood, M. incognita (Kofoid & White) Chitwood, or M. javanica (Treub) Chitwood, root-knot nematodes. Compared to tomato plants grown in soil with the same nematode numbers and species, lisianthus had less severe root symptoms, suffered less damage, and resulted in lower nematode multiplication rates. Lisianthus was a better host for M. javanica than for M. incognita, and a poor host for M. hapla. Lisianthus shoot weights were significantly reduced after inoculation with M. javanica or M. hapla, but not after M. incognita inoculation. The number of flowers produced per lisianthus plant was reduced by all three nematode species. The results show that the root-knot nematode species that are most common in California may cause significant damage in the cut-flower production of lisianthus.

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First Report of Root-Knot Nematode Meloidogyne hispanica Infecting Grapevines in Southern Spain

Plant Disease ◽

10.1094/pdis-93-12-1353b ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 93 (12) ◽

pp. 1353-1353 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

P. Castillo ◽

C. Gutiérrez-Gutiérrez ◽

J. E. Palomares-Rius ◽

C. Cantalapiedra Navarrete ◽

B. B. Landa

Keyword(s):

Phylogenetic Analyses ◽

Original Description ◽

Southern Spain ◽

Enzyme Analysis ◽

Root Knot Nematode ◽

First Report ◽

North Carolina State University ◽

General Decline ◽

Disease Surveys ◽

Meloidogyne Sp

Some commercial vineyards producing the ‘Condado de Huelva’ wine denomination of origin in Almonte, Bonares, and Rociana (Huelva Province), southern Spain, showed general decline in sandy soils in 2009. Disease surveys revealed severe infections of grapevine rootstock Richter 110 feeder roots and heavy soil infestations by a root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne sp.). Infected plants showed a general decline as the only visible aboveground symptom, but when roots were inspected, moderate to small galls on secondary feeder roots were detected. The Meloidogyne sp. population was extracted and quantified from soil and root samples as previously described (1) and identified by the female perineal pattern, esterase (Est) and malate dehydrogenase (Mdh) phenotypes, and sequencing and maximum parsimony (MP) analysis of the ribosomal DNA region D2-D3 of 28S (2,4). Morphology of the perineal patterns and measurements of the second-stage juveniles (J2s) matched those of the original description of Meloidogyne hispanica (3). Enzyme analysis revealed two slow and a medium Est bands, a strong band, and two additional weaker bands coincident with the S2-M1 and N3 Mdh M. hispanica phenotypes (2,4). D2-D3 sequences of all three populations sampled were 100% homologous (GenBank Accession No. GQ375158). Phylogenetic analyses with MP of those sequences placed the Meloidogyne sp. in a clade (100% support) that included all M. hispanica sequences available from the GenBank database (4). M. hispanica was first found in Seville Province, southern Spain, infecting rootstocks of Prunus spp. Its distribution has been confirmed worldwide on different agricultural crops. Thus, M. hispanica has been reported to be infecting grapevines in South Africa and Australia (4); however, to our knowledge, this is the first report of M. hispanica infecting grapevines in Europe. Our data suggest that M. hispanica may pose a threat for vineyard production in southern Spain since M. hispanica was found in 52.63 and 47.36% of soil and root samples, respectively, from 19 fields in ‘Condado de Huelva’, with nematode population densities ranging from 2.4 to 129.6 eggs and J2s per 100 cm3 of soil and 1 to 1,797 eggs and J2s per gram of fresh roots. Furthermore, genes that confer resistance to other common root-knot nematodes reported on grapevine in Europe may not protect against M. hispanica. References: (1) K. R. Barker. Nematode extraction and bioassays. Page 19 in: An Advanced Treatise on Meloidogyne. Vol. II, Methodology. K. R. Barker et al., eds. North Carolina State University Graphics, Raleigh, 1985. (2) P. R. Esbenshade and A. C. Triantaphyllou. J. Nematol. 22:10, 1990. (3) H. Hirschmann. J. Nematol. 18:520, 1986. (4) B. B. Landa et al. Plant Dis. 92:1104, 2008.

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First Report of the Root-Knot Nematode Meloidogyne floridensis on Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) in Florida

Plant Disease ◽

10.1094/pd-89-0527b ◽

2005 ◽

Vol 89 (5) ◽

pp. 527-527

Author(s):

G. T. Church

Keyword(s):

Lycopersicon Esculentum ◽

Field Experiments ◽

The United States ◽

The State ◽

Bromophenol Blue ◽

Root Knot Nematode ◽

Fresh Market ◽

Root Knot Nematodes ◽

First Report ◽

Meloidogyne Spp

The state of Florida is the largest producer of fresh market tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L.) in the United States with 2003 yields of 634 million kg on 17,700 ha valued at 516 million dollars. Effective crop management is essential for production of vegetables in Florida because of the presence of intense pest pressure. The identification of the pests present is the first step in the development of a successful IPM (integrated pest management) program. Root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) are common nematodes that parasitize vegetables in Florida and cause significant yield reductions when not properly managed. In 2003 field experiments, soil was collected from two research farms in Saint Lucie and Seminole counties in Florida. Galling caused by root-knot nematode was observed on tomato at both locations. Since females suitable for identification are difficult to obtain from field-grown roots, field soil was placed in pots in the greenhouse and planted with Lycopersicon esculentum cv. Rutgers. Standard morphological techniques, differential host tests, and isozyme phenotypes were used in nematode identification. Female root-knot nematodes were extracted from tomato roots and placed in extraction buffer (10% wt/vol sucrose, 2% vol/vol Triton X-100, 0.01% wt/vol bromophenol blue). The females were crushed, loaded on a polyacrylamide gel, and separated by electrophoresis using the PhastSystem (Amersham Biosciences, Piscataway, NJ). The activities of malate dehydrogenase and esterase enzymes were detected using standard techniques. Isozyme phenotypes consistent with Meloidogyne incognita (Kofoid and White) Chitwood and M. javanica (Treub) Chitwood as well as with the newly described M. floridensis Handoo (1) were observed at both locations. To our knowledge, this is the first report of M. floridensis naturally occurring on tomato in Florida. The identification and distribution of M. floridensis in vegetable production fields is important for disease management throughout the state since the host range is likely different from other Meloidogyne spp. Reference: (1) Z. A. Handoo et al. J. Nematol. 36:20, 2004.

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Meloidogyne daklakensis n. sp. (Nematoda: Meloidogynidae), a new root-knot nematode associated with Robusta coffee (Coffea canephora Pierre ex A. Froehner) in the Western Highlands, Vietnam

Journal of Helminthology ◽

10.1017/s0022149x18000202 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 93 (2) ◽

pp. 242-254 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Q.P. Trinh ◽

T.M.L. Le ◽

T.D. Nguyen ◽

H.T. Nguyen ◽

G. Liebanas ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Nematode Species ◽

Coffea Canephora ◽

Mitochondrial Genes ◽

Molecular Characteristics ◽

Root Knot Nematode ◽

Second Stage ◽

Robusta Coffee ◽

Lateral Lines ◽

Tail Tip ◽

A New Species

AbstractThe root-knot nematode species Meloidogyne daklakensis n. sp. was discovered on the roots of Robusta coffee (Coffea canephora Pierre ex A. Froehner) in Dak Lak Province, Vietnam. This species is characterized by the females having rounded or oval perineal patterns, smooth, regular, continuous striae, and reduced lateral lines. The dorsal arch is low, rounded and encloses a quite distinct vulva and tail tip. The stylet is normally straight with well-developed and posteriorly sloped knobs. The males have a rounded cap that extends posteriorly into the lip region. The procorpus is outlined distinctly, and is three times longer than the metacorpus. The metacorpus is ovoid, with a strong valve apparatus. The species closely resembles M. marylandi, M. naasi, M. ovalis, M. panyuensis, M. lopezi, M. mali and M. baetica in the perineal pattern of the females, and the morphology of the males and the second-stage juveniles. Nonetheless, it can be differentiated from other species by a combination of morphometric, morphological and molecular characteristics. Phylogenetic analysis was conducted based on the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and 28S rDNA as well as the region between the cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) and cytochrome c oxidase II (COII) mitochondrial genes. Herein, this nematode is described, illustrated, and designated as a new species, Meloidogyne daklakensis sp. n., based on morphometric, morphological and molecular analyses.

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Management of Root Knot Nematode on Tomato through Grafting Root Stock of Solanum sisymbriifolium

Journal of Nepal Agricultural Research Council ◽

10.3126/jnarc.v3i1.17272 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 3 ◽

pp. 27-31 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Suraj Baidya ◽

Ram Devi Timila ◽

Ram Bahadur KC ◽

Hira Kaji Manandhar ◽

Chetana Manandhar

Keyword(s):

Agricultural Research ◽

Tomato Fruit ◽

Fruit Yield ◽

Root Knot Nematode ◽

Root Knot Nematodes ◽

Tomato Plants ◽

Agricultural Research Council ◽

Root Stock ◽

Meloidogyne Spp ◽

Solanum Sisymbriifolium

The root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp) are difficult to manage once established in the field because of their wide host range, and soil-borne nature. Thus, the aim of the present study was to examine the use of resistant root stock of wild brinjal (Solanum sisymbriifolium) to reduce the loss caused by the nematodes on tomato. For the management of root-knot nematodes, grafted plant with resistant root stock of the wild brinjal was tested under farmers’ field conditions at Hemza of Kaski district. Grafted and non-grafted plants were produced in root-knot nematode-free soil. Around three week-old grafted and non-grafted tomato plants were transplanted in four different plastic tunnels where root-knot nematodes had been reported previously. The plants were planted in diagonal position to each other as a pair plot in 80 × 60 cm2 spacing in an average of 20 × 7 m2 plastic tunnels. Galling Index (GI) was recorded three times in five randomly selected plants in each plot at 60 days intervals. The first observation was recorded two months after transplanting. Total fruit yield was recorded from same plants. In the grafted plants, the root system was totally free from gall whereas in an average of 7.5 GI in 0-10 scale was recorded in the non-grafted plants. Fruits were harvested from time to time and cumulated after final harvest to calculate the total fruit yield. It was estimated that on an average tomato fruit yield was significantly (P>0.05) increased by 37 percent in the grafted plants compared with the non-grafted plants. Grafting technology could be used effectively for cultivation of commonly grown varieties, which are susceptible to root-knot nematodes in disease prone areas. This can be used as an alternative technology for reducing the use of hazardous pesticides for enhancing commercial organic tomato production.Journal of Nepal Agricultural Research Council Vol.3 2017: 27-31

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First Report of the Root-Knot Nematode, Meloidogyne hispanica, Infecting Sunflower in Greece

Plant Disease ◽

10.1094/pdis-08-13-0833-pdn ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 98 (5) ◽

pp. 703-703 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

E. A. Tzortzakakis ◽

A. I. Anastasiadis ◽

K. B. Simoglou ◽

C. Cantalapiedra-Navarrete ◽

J. E. Palomares-Rius ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Phylogenetic Analyses ◽

Original Description ◽

Economic Losses ◽

State University ◽

Root Knot Nematode ◽

Root Knot Nematodes ◽

First Report ◽

North Carolina State University ◽

Helianthus Annus ◽

Prunus Spp

Severe plant stunting, chlorosis, and extensive root galling were observed on sunflower (Helianthus annus Pioneer Hi-bred PR64LE19, Dupont) in a commercial field at Agios Athanasios, Drama Province, northeastern Greece at the end of May 2013. Disease symptoms were observed about 1.5 months after planting, and were distributed in patches that covered approximately 2% of the whole cultivated area. Examination of the soil and root samples from selected infected plants revealed the presence of abundant root-knot nematodes. Juveniles, males, and females were extracted by sieving, decanting, and root dissection for identification using morphological traits. Nematode population densities ranging from 100 to 150 J2s per 100 cm3 of soil, and 150 to 3,000 eggs per g of fresh sunflower roots were observed. Identification was confirmed by perineal patterns of females and by sequencing of the D2-D3 expansion segments of 28S ribosomal RNA gene (1,3,4). All identification methods were consistent with typical Meloidogyne hispanica. Morphology of perineal patterns of females and measurements of the second-stage juveniles (J2s) matched those of the original description of M. hispanica (3). Alignment indicated that the D2-D3 sequence (GenBank Accession No. KF501128) was 99% homologous to other sequences of M. hispanica deposited in GenBank from Brazil, Portugal, and Spain (EU443606, EU443608, and GQ375158, respectively), differing in only one nucleotide. Phylogenetic analyses using maximum likelihood of this sequence placed the Meloidogyne sp. in a highly supported (100%) clade that included all M. hispanica sequences available from the GenBank database (4). Root-knot nematodes in general have been reported to cause economic losses in sunflower in Europe (2), but there are no reports of M. hispanica. M. hispanica was first found in Seville Province, southern Spain, infecting rootstocks of Prunus spp. (3). Its distribution has been confirmed worldwide on different agricultural crops. However, to our knowledge, this is the first report of M. hispanica infecting sunflower in Europe and the first report of this species on any crop for Greece. The identification of M. hispanica in sunflower is relevant because it may represent a threat for sunflower production in Greece. Research to develop sunflower varieties resistant to root-knot nematodes should now also consider M. hispanica along with other species of Meloidogyne. References: (1) K. R. Barker. Page 19 in: An Advanced Treatise on Meloidogyne. Vol. II, Methodology. K. R. Barker et al., eds. North Carolina State University Graphics, Raleigh, NC, 1985. (2) M. Di Vito et al. Nematol. Mediterr. 24:109, 1996. (3) H. Hirschmann. J. Nematol. 18:520, 1986. (4) B. B. Landa et al. Plant Dis. 92:1104, 2008.

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