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Title: MORPHOLOGICAL AND MOLECULAR CHARACTERIZATION OF PRATYLENCHUS ARLINGTONI N. SP., P. CONVALLARIAE AND P. FALLAX (NEMATA: PRATYLENCHIDAE)

Author
item Handoo, Zafar
item Carta, Lynn
item Skantar, Andrea

Submitted to: Nematology
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/23/2001
Publication Date: 1/1/2002
Citation: Handoo, Z.A., Carta, L.K., Skantar, A.M. 2002. Morphological and molecular characterization of pratylenchus arlingtoni n. sp., p. convallariae and p. fallax (nemata: pratylenchidae). Nematology 3:607-618.

Interpretive Summary: Nematodes are microscopic, unsegmented soil worms that cause ten billion dollars of annual crop loss in the U.S. Lesion nematodes are migratory, internal root parasites that seriously damage many economic plants worldwide. A major problem with determining the damage caused by specific lesion nematodes is that their diagnostic characters, numbers, relationships and geographic distribution are inadequately known. In this study ARS scientists describe a new lesion nematode species from Arlington National Cemetery turf with unique surface markings and esophageal gland shape. A molecular DNA character indicates a close relationship of the new nematode to two European species intercepted in the U.S. with the same DNA sequences and overlapping morphology, despite different regulatory status. Photographs and supplemental measurements are provided for easier identification of all three species. The results are significant because they indicate a change in the quarantine status of the European species could be considered. This research will be of use to scientists, growers, action agencies, and extension agencies designing nematode research and control strategies.

Technical Abstract: Pratylenchus arlingtoni n. sp. from the rhizosphere of grasses Poa pratensis and Festuca arundinacea at Arlington National Cemetery, VA, USA is characterized by 6-8 lines in the lateral field, and pyriform to slightly overlapping esophageal glands. Morphological comparisons are made with lesion nematodes having similar morphometrics, 6 lateral lines, or crenate tails. Molecular sequences of the LS 28S rDNA were generated for the new species as well as P. fallax and P. convallariae. The new species differs by only 1% from identical sequences found in P. fallax and P. convallariae.