Meloidogyne ethiopica (Root-knot nematode).

M. ethiopica is a polyphagous pest and classed as a tropical and temperate root-knot nematode (RKN) species (Strajnar et al., 2011). M. ethiopica is considered a damaging species as it can multiply on many different types of plants (including both dicotyledons and monocotyledons). Originally considered a tropical species, it has been shown to survive outdoors in temperate areas also. The distribution in Africa is unknown. Only in Chile is it considered an invasive nematode. In Chile it occurs over a range of ca 1000 km and has been detected from the Copiapó valley, ca 800 km north of Santiago, to Talca, ca 250 km south of Santiago and it is found on grapevine (Vitis vinifera), kiwi (Actinida deliciosa C.) and potatoes in 80% of samples (Carneiro et al., 2007) collected in this area. It was introduced in Brazil from Chile on kiwi seedlings, and despite not being invasive in Brazil it has caused serious economic problems to grapevine in Chile (Carneiro et al., 2007). Recently, this species has also been recorded on asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.) in Peru (Murga-Gutierrezet al., 2012). In Europe it has been detected only in Slovenia, on greenhouse tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum L.) (Širca et al., 2004). It was added to the EPPO Alert List in 2011.

Reported populations of Meloidogyne ethiopica in Europe identified as Meloidogyne luci

The tropical group of root-knot nematodes (RKN) including Meloidogyne ethiopica and M. luci is a highly polyphagus and damaging group of agricultural pests. M. ethiopica has been detected in several European countries (Slovenia, Italy, Greece) and also in Turkey. However, a description of a new sister species M. luci calls for reclassification of all European and Turkish M. ethiopica populations reported up to date as M. luci. Accurate identification can be accomplished through analysis of the esterase isozyme pattern, which is the most distinguishing character between the two otherwise very similar species. Both species display a three banded esterase pattern where the upper band is slightly shifted between the two species. In addition, molecular characterization of M. ethiopica and M. luci populations revealed that the ITS, SSU, and LSU of the rDNA regions are not appropriate markers for studying relationships among the tropical group of RKNs. However, the COII/lRNA region on mtDNA proved to be very useful for analyzing the phylogenetic relationship of these very closely related species/populations. Mitochondrial sequences with low levels of heteroplasmy allowed clustering of all M. luci populations in a monophyletic clade with a clear separation of this recently described species from M. ethiopica. At the same time, a very close relationship between M. ethiopica and M. luci was confirmed again.

Reduced Meloidogyne ethiopica Parasitism in Vitis vinifera Grafted on Six Resistant Rootstocks Under Field and Greenhouse Conditions

Meloidogyne ethiopica, an aggressive nematode, causes significant economic losses to Vitis crops. Rootstocks can successfully manage phytoparasitic nematodes. However, no studies exist on M. ethiopica-resistant rootstocks under field conditions. This study assessed the resistance of six Vitis rootstocks to M. ethiopica under field and greenhouse conditions. The number of galls and eggs in vine roots, quantity of second stage juveniles and males in 250 ml of soil, root weight, and shoot weight were determined for the Harmony, SO4, 101-14 MG, 110R, 3309C, and Kober 5BB rootstocks, and the own-root Chardonnay variety as a control. In the field, Harmony, SO4, 101-14 MG, Kober 5BB, and 110R were highly resistant to nematode parasitism and reproduction. In turn, 3309C was the least resistant rootstock. In the greenhouse, all rootstocks similarly limited M. ethiopica attack and reproduction. In both conditions, Chardonnay was the most susceptible vine to nematode attack, with high quantities of galls, eggs, and nematode reproduction. In conclusion, most of the evaluated rootstocks reduced M. ethiopica parasitism. Harmony, SO4, 101-14 MG, 110R, and Kober 5BB rootstocks are options for vineyard use, with final selection dependent on winegrower requirements.