Morphological and molecular characterization of Boleodorus volutus in the United States from the rhizosphere of medicinal hemp

Authors: Skantar, Andrea; KANTOR, MIHAIL - Pennsylvania State University; CARTA, LYNN - Retired ARS Employee; Hult, Maria; Handoo, Zafar

Submitted to: Nematropica
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 4/9/2024
Publication Date: 8/16/2024
Citation: 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.

Interpretive Summary: Plant-parasitic nematodes are microscopic worms that cause an estimated ten billion dollars of crop losses each year in the United States and over $100 billion globally. The global medicinal hemp market is currently valued at $20 billion and expected to be almost $56 billion by 2028. The risk that nematodes pose to medicinal hemp is not well known. In this study, several nematode species were identified in a survey of hemp fields in Maryland in 2019. Boleodorus volutus and several other species were identified by anatomical features and measurements of females and males. Boleodorus volutus was also characterized by DNA sequence analysis. This the first time B. volutus has been identified in the United States. This research fills a gap in essential knowledge of nematodes affecting this important new crop. Researchers and growers will use this information to guide management decisions in hemp production systems.

Technical Abstract: The medicinal hemp market is expected to grow from the current value of $20 billion to almost $56 billion by 2028, with the overall market including recreational use reaching $100 billion by the end of 2030. Plant-parasitic nematodes are microscopic worms that cause an estimated ten billion dollars of crop losses each year in the United States and over 100 billion dollars globally. The risk that nematodes pose to the medicinal hemp growers is not very well known and assessed. A field survey was conducted on a hemp field in Baltimore County, MD at the end of the 2019 growing season, during October and November. Before planting hemp, the field was planted with strawberries. Samples were arbitrarily selected from different sections of the field. Nematodes were extracted from 100 cm3 soil through sieving and decanting, followed by sucrose centrifugal flotation. Boleodorus volutus, Pratylenchus penetrans, Paratylenchus projectus, Helicotylenchus pseudorobustus and Basiria sp. were identified by anatomical features and measurements of females and males. Molecular sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of 18S and 28S rDNA markers were used to characterize Boleodorus volutus, which represents a new record of this species from the United States. Further research is needed to assess the impact of these nematodes on growth, vigor, and yield of hemp production.