Excretory Pore Research Articles

Molecular and morphological characterisation of Ditylenchoides anyae sp. n. (Nematoda: Anguinoidea) from Iran

Summary A new species, Ditylenchoides anyae sp. n., recovered from soil in the headland areas of non-cultivated fields in Alborz Province, Iran, is described and illustrated based on its morphological, morphometric, and molecular characters. The new species was characterised by a slender body and length of 784 (663-925) μm (females) and 667-712 μm (males), lip region continuous, stylet length 6.4 (6.0-7.0) μm, lateral fields with four incisures, and excretory pore situated 110 (82-137) μm from the anterior end, median bulb of pharynx fusiform, non-muscular, and non-valvate, isthmus elongate, slender ending at a pyriform basal pharyngeal bulb not overlapping intestine, vulva with distinct and relatively large lateral flaps, a well-developed post-vulval uterine sac, 31.3 (27-35) μm long, a female tail elongate-conoid with pointed terminus; and male with adanal bursa and spicules 21-22 μm long. The new species was characterised using the D2-D3 expansion segments of 28S rRNA, ITS rRNA, and partial 18S rRNA gene sequences. Phylogenetic analyses of the genus Ditylenchoides are given based on the analysis of these genes.

Molecular and Morphological Characteristics of a Novel Cyst Nematode in the Rhizosphere of Artemisia lavandulaefolia DC. in Gansu Province, Northwest China.

Cyst nematodes are obligate parasitic nematodes found in the fields of many cultivated crops. These nematodes, which have great economic importance, pose a threat to food security, though they are frequently ignored or misdiagnosed as pests because of covert parasitism. A cyst nematode population parasitizing on Artemisia lavandulaefolia DC., one of the traditional Chinese medicines was collected in Gansu Province. The species was diagnosed using integrative taxonomy and molecular approaches. The cyst population is spherical or lemon-shaped, light brown or dark brown in color, with a long neck and a protruding vulval cone. The stylet of the second-stage juvenile is strong, and the front end of the ball at the base of the stylet is concave; the median bulb and excretory pore are prominent; the tail is blunt and circular, and the transparent tail is usually shorter than the stylet. A phylogenetic analysis was carried out using the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and 28S genes of ribosomal DNA, which further confirmed the presence of Cactodera chenopodiae. According to our literature review, this is the first report on C. chenopodiae in Compositae. By following this research, we can better understand the challenges posed by A. lavandulaefolia DC. and develop effective strategies for managing its spread and impacts. This will help to protect vulnerable ecosystems and ensure the sustainability of agricultural and forestry activities in affected areas.

Morphological and molecular characterisation of Bursaphelenchus parasaudi n. sp. (Tylenchina: Aphelenchoididae) found in loblolly pine logs from the USA

Summary Bursaphelenchus parasaudi n. sp., isolated in Ningbo, P.R. China, from loblolly pine logs imported from the USA is described. It is characterised by a slim body (a = 32-43), lateral field with four lines, excretory pore located at the level of metacorpus, vulva at 76% of total body length, a distinct vulval flap in lateral view, post-uterine branch ca half to two-thirds of the vulva to anus distance long, female tail conical, slightly ventrally curved, with a finely rounded terminus, male spicules with weakly developed rostrum and condylus and cross-striped in their central part, a single precloacal papilla and three pairs of ventro-sublateral papillae. It belongs to the africanus group of the genus Bursaphelenchus and is most similar to B. saudi. Detailed phylogenetic analysis based on the partial 18S region, ITS and 28S D2-D3 region confirmed the status of this nematode as a new species.

A new nematode species, Tanqua siamensis sp. nov. (Nematoda: Gnathostomatidae) in the rainbow water snake, Enhydris enhydris, from Thailand.

The genus Tanqua Blanchard, 1904, infests reptiles, particularly those inhabiting aquatic environments. This study examined a population of rainbow water snakes, Enhydris enhydris (Schneider, 1799), collected from southern Thailand. Adult nematodes consistent with Tanqua were found in the stomach. Various morphometric, meristic and qualitative morphological variables, including size, ratios, distances, cephalic appearance, the number of caudal papillae and other features, serve to distinguish the specimens from other species within the genus. In particular, Tanqua anomala and Tanqua diadema, which closely resemble our Tanqua specimens, can be differentiated by key diagnostic characteristics such as a retractable head, the distance from the anterior end to the cervical sac, the relative positions of caudal papillae and excretory pore, and the length of the uterus. Molecular analysis (COI and 18s rRNA genes) confirmed its status as a species of Tanqua, genetically distinct from Tanqua tiara, and matching the genetic sequence found in larvae of Tanqua sp. from a snakehead fish species from Bangladesh. Tanqua siamensis sp. nov. is described, supported by morphological traits, microscopic illustrations and genetic information. This study reports the first evidence of a caudal papillary pair in females. This species causes significant lesions on the stomach wall of the snake host, raising possible issues for snakes held in captivity regarding food hygiene and parasite protection.

REDESCRIPTION OF HASSALSTRONGYLUS ADUNCUS CHANDLER, 1932 (NEMATODA: HELIGMONELLIDAE), WITH THE DESCRIPTION OF A NEW SPECIES OF THE GENUS AND THEIR PHYLOGENETIC POSITION WITH OTHER HELIGMOSOMOIDEA TRAVASSOS, 1914.

Hassalstrongylus Durette-Desset, 1971 (Nematoda: Heligmonellidae), includes 19 species that are distributed from the southwestern United States to central-western Argentina. Hassalstrongylus aduncus is a parasitic nematode of rodents from the subfamilies Arvicolinae, Murinae, and Sigmodontinae, and has been recorded from southern Virginia and Oklahoma to Costa Rica. This species was described by Chandler in 1932; the morphology of the synlophe was not included. Subsequently, in 1972, Durette-Desset described only the synlophe of the middle region of the body in both sexes. Despite its wide geographical distribution, to date, there has been no redescription that includes information complementary to the morphology of the synlophe, such as a study of the body surface or a molecular phylogenetic analysis. We reevaluated the morphology of some specimens that were presumably similar to H. aduncus parasite of Sigmodon sp. from Jalisco, Mexico, and it was determined that these corresponded to an undescribed species of the genus. Herein, we present a redescription of H. aduncus parasite of Sigmodon toltecus from Hidalgo, Mexico, with morphological traits such as the excretory pore, deirids, and ovijector, and provide a description of the synlophe in the anterior and posterior regions of both sexes and include scanning electron microscopy images. Hassalstrongylus geolayarum n. sp. is differentiated from H. aduncus by the number of ridges in the middle region of the body (23 vs. 21), as well as proportions between some traits of males and females such as total length/spicule length, total length/gubernaculum length, total length/length of the esophagus and total length/distance of the vulva and the size of the eggs (42 vs. 58 μm). Phylogenetic analysis is based on partial sequences of the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer region (ITS1 + 5.8S + ITS2) of the rDNA, using the maximum-parsimony, maximum-likelihood, and Bayesian inference methods revealed the close relationship of H. aduncus + H. geolayarum n. sp. within the Heligmosomoidea and confirmed the placement of the Hassalstrongylus monophyletic clade well-supported within Heligmonellidae. The new species presented a genetic divergence of 3.4-3.8% relative to H. aduncus. This is the first species of the genus described in Mexico. Presumably, there are more species not yet described throughout the geographic range of H. aduncus. A taxonomic review and molecular phylogenetic analysis are required in which more species and genes are analyzed in Heligmosomoidea to confirm the status of the nonmonophyletic groups recovered here.

Description of Aphelenchoides yixingensis n. sp. (Tylenchina: Aphelenchoididae) found in Pinus massoniana from China, and proposal for genus Ptychaphelenchus as a synonym of Aphelenchoides

Summary Aphelenchoides yixingensis n. sp. found in Chinese red pine (Pinus massoniana) in Yixing city, Jiangsu Province, P.R. China, is described. It is characterised by a very slim body (a = 50.8 (41.3-63.8) and 49.3 (42.3-55.1) for males and females, respectively), three (occasionally five) lateral lines in the lateral field, a short stylet (9-12 μm), the excretory pore located at the level of nerve ring, the vagina is not sclerotised and the vulva has slightly protruding lips and lacks a flap, the post-uterine sac is well developed and forms ca 29.0% (24.1-34.1%) of the vulva to anus distance. The spicules are smoothly arcuate, the apex and rostrum rounded and short, and the dorsal limb is 20.5 (16.9-22.2) μm long, the distal end bluntly rounded. Spicule sheath-like structure is present, triangular and outstretched when heat-killed in some individuals. The male tail bears three pairs (2 + 2 + 2) of caudal papillae. The tail of both sexes is sub-cylindrical, the terminus bearing a bluntly pointed mucron with tiny nodular protuberances, mainly at the distal part. The new species belongs to the Group 2 category of Aphelenchoides species sensu Shahina and is defined as A2-B1-C1-D1-E2-F2 according to the categorisation codes of OEPP/EPPO. Phylogenetic analysis based on 18S and 28S D2-D3 of rDNA, along with ITS and mtCOI, confirmed its status as a new species. A proposal for genus Ptychaphelenchus as a synonym of Aphelenchoides is also discussed.

Discovery and Characterization of Four Aphelenchid Species from Cultivated Regions of Southern Alberta, Canada.

The nematode family Aphelenchoididiae is considered fungal-feeding, predatory, or root hair feeders. Some members of this family are universally present in agricultural landscapes and are an integral part of soil health and conservation studies. In the present soil nematode biodiversity survey, we detected four species of the genera Aphelenchus, Aphelenchoides, and Robustodorus. Because fungal-feeding nematodes from southern Alberta have not previously been reported, we conducted a detailed morphological and molecular investigation, identifying these species as Aphelenchus avenae, Aphelenchoides limberi, Aphelenchoides prairiensis n. sp. and Robustodorus paramegadorus n. sp. The first two species we document as new records from southern Alberta, whereas A. prairiensis n. sp. and R. paramegadorus n. sp. we describe in detail as new taxa. Briefly, A. prairiensis n. sp. is an amphimictic species having 4 lateral lines; hemispherical anteriorly flattened lip region; delicate stylet and swelling-like stylet knobs; excretory pore at the posterior edge of nerve ring. Female tail conical, gradually tapering towards a truncated end with single mucro. Spicule 23.0 (20.0-25.0) µm long having elongated rounded condylus, small, blunt conical rostrum, and lamina that gradually tapers towards the rounded distal end; three pairs of caudal papillae were present on the male tail. Robustodorus paramegadorus n. sp., is a parthenogenetic species with 3 lines in the lateral fields; lip region rounded, anteriorly flattened; stylet robust, with knobs rounded to bean-shaped; excretory pore located posterior to nerve ring; reproductive components were quite indiscernible with a short 24.0 (18.0-27.0) µm post-vulval uterine sac; tail conical, ending with pointed to wedge-shaped tip. We performed molecular characterizations for each species and constructed phylogenetic trees to study the phylogenetic relationship of these aphelenchid species. The discovery of A. prairiensis n. sp. and R. paramegadorus n. sp. indicates that soil nematode diversity is relatively unexplored in southern Alberta. The findings of this study will significantly enhance the identification processes and may contribute towards future soil health and biodiversity efforts.

Further studies on the diversity of Cylicospirura Vevers, 1922 (Nematoda: Spirocercidae) in African carnivores, with description of a new species.

Cylicospirura Vevers, 1922 is a genus of gastrointestinal spirurid nematodes parasitizing mainly felid but also canid, hyaenid and dasyurid hosts. Presently, 11 species are recognized worldwide, of which 4, Cylicospirura subaequalis, Cylicospirura felinea, Cylicospirura crocutae and Cylicospirura pardalis, have been recorded from African carnivores. In the present study, we describe Cylicospirura phiri n. sp. from hyaenas, namely Crocuta crocuta (type host) in Zimbabwe and Hyaena hyaena in Cameroon. The new species is the second species in the genus with bicuspid teeth. Furthermore, it can be distinguished from its congeners by a combination of characters, such as the absence of accessory teeth, the length and shape of the muscular oesophagus, position of the nerve ring, deirids and excretory pore in relation to the muscular oesophagus, the position of the vulva, spicule length and the shape of the female tail. Additionally, based on new material, detailed morphological descriptions are provided for C. crocutae and C. pardalis whose original descriptions were based on fragmented material. The material from Felis lybica, currently deposited as C. subaequalis, is described as C. felinea. First-time scanning electron micrographs are presented for the 4 species confirmed in African carnivores.

Pseudaphelenchus taedae n. sp. (Tylenchina: Aphelenchoididae) found in loblolly pine logs from the USA and peat from Lithuania

Summary Pseudaphelenchus taedae n. sp., isolated from loblolly pine logs (Pinus taeda L.) from the USA and peat from Lithuania, is described and figured. It is characterised by the male 355 (305-401) μm and female 427 (318-520) μm body lengths and by the presence of three equal incisures in the lateral field. The slender stylet has small but conspicuous basal knobs. Valve is located at posterior part of metacorpus. The excretory pore is located at the same level as valve plates or anterior. Spicules are paired, thorn-like, separate, condylus broadly rounded, rostrum conical or triangular with a bluntly pointed tip, calomus smoothly tapering together with lamina, thin and strongly arcuate in middle then tapering towards bluntly pointed distal tip, cucullus absent. A narrow bursa surrounds three quarters of tail but is inconspicuous in most cases. The conical male tail is bluntly rounded but mostly with a short pointed or blunt mucron. The female tail is conical in various shapes, smoothly tapering, slightly ventrally bent or curved, with broadly rounded or pointed terminus. Detailed phylogenetic analysis based on the 18S and D2-D3 region of 28S sequences confirmed the status of this nematode as a new species.

Description of Panagrolaimus namibiensis n. sp. (Rhabditida: Panagrolaimidae), an Anhydrobiotic Nematode from the Namib Desert of Namibia.

Panagrolaimus namibiensis n. sp. was recovered and cultured from soils collected under Arthraerua leubnitziae (pencil-bush) in the Namib Desert of Namibia, one of the driest terrestrial habitats on Earth. It is described here based on morphometrics, scanning electron micrographs, light images, line drawings, and molecular data. The new species is distinguished by having a conspicuous posterior deirid, a hook-shaped stegostomal dorsal tooth, and anterior deirids and excretory pore aligned at mid-bulb. It was morphologically compared to eleven well-described species in the genus with which it shared similar labial structure (six distinct rounded lips, and low lip segments separated in pairs), conoid tail, and/or a lateral field with three incisures, including P. labiatus, P. kolymaensis, P. davidi, P. rigidus, and P. superbus. Bayesian phylogenetic analyses using SSU and LSU rDNA each placed P. namibiensis n. sp. within clades of Panagrolaimus species, although the two trees resolved its relationship to previously described species differently. Furthermore, our analyses showed the genus is not monophyletic. In a laboratory experiment, P. namibiensis n. sp. survived exposure to 0% relative humidity for 24 h, demonstrating the anhydrobiotic ability of this species that contributes to its survival in the Namib Desert.

Description of Deladenus tonekabonensis sp. n. from Iran with a key to species

Summary Deladenus tonekabonensis sp. n. was isolated from dried wood of the Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima) from the Sehezar forests in Tonekabon city in Mazandaran Province. The new species is characterised by a body length of 655 (561-777) and 592 (488-735) μm for mycetophagous females and males, respectively, a short stylet (7.5-8.8 μm) with three knobs backward. Lateral field with ten incisures, and an excretory pore toward the anterior part of the neck, located at 27.5 (22.0-35.5) and 28.0 (21.0-38.0) μm from the anterior end of the mycetophagous females and males, respectively. The distance of the excretory pore to the hemizonid is 66.0 (59.0-71.0) and 61.0 (57.0-67.5) μm for the mycetophagous females and males, respectively. Adults have a long overlapping dorsal pharyngeal gland, lacking a post-uterine sac (PUS), and in some specimens a very short post-uterine sac, 2.4-5.1 μm long, and a conical tail, narrowing towards the tail tip. Males are frequent with slender tylenchoid spicules and a leptoderan bursa reaching the tail tip. Molecular phylogenetic analyses based on 28S rDNA placed the new species close to Deladenus and Anguillonema species in a clade with 0.99 posterior probability support. The measurements, line illustration and light microphotographs are given for the new species.

A new ring nematode, Xenocriconemella costaricense sp. nov., (Nematoda: Criconematidae) from Costa Rica.

During nematode surveys of natural vegetation in forests of La Cima de Copey de Dota, San José, San José province, Costa Rica, a Xenocriconemella species closely resembling X. macrodora and related species was found. Integrative taxonomical approaches demonstrated that it is a new species described herein as X. costaricense sp. nov. The new species is parthenogenetic (only females have been detected) and characterised by a short body (276-404 μm); lip region with two annuli, not offset, not separated from body contour; first lip annulus partially covering the second lip annulus. Stylet thin, very long (113-133 μm) and flexible, occupying 30.5-47.8% of body length. Excretory pore located from one or two annuli anterior to one or two annuli posterior to level of stylet knobs, at 42 (37-45) μm from anterior end. Female genital tract monodelphic, prodelphic, outstretched, and occupying 35-45% of body length, with vagina slightly ventrally curved (14-18 μm long). Anus located 6-11 annuli from the tail terminus. Tail conoid and bluntly rounded terminus, the last 2-3 annuli oriented dorsally. Results of molecular characterisation and phylogenetic analyses of D2-D3 expansion segments of 28S rRNA, ITS, and partial 18S rRNA, as well as cytochrome oxidase c subunit 1 gene sequences further characterised the new species and clearly separated it from X. macrodora and other related species (X. iberica, X. paraiberica, and X. pradense).

Description, life cycle, and phylogenetics of Proterometra wigglewomble n. sp. (Digenea: Azygiidae) from the Cahaba River, Alabama, U.S.A.

We herein describe Proterometra wigglewomble n. sp. (Digenea: Azygiidae: Azygiinae) from the Cahaba River, Alabama, USA, which asexually reproduces in the compact elimia, Elimia showalteri (Lea, 1860) (Cerithioidea: Pleuroceridae) and matures in the oesophagus of the blackbanded darter, Percina nigrofasciata (Agassiz, 1854) (Perciformes: Percidae). Adults of the new species differ from congeners by having a small body and eggs having a wholly fimbriated surface that appears as a cilia-like brush border. Live naturally-shed cercariae of the new species differ from those of its congeners by having a strongly claviform tail stem bearing aspinose mammillae, a single furca, excretory pores that open on the posterior margin of the single furca, and few eggs in the cercarial distome. The behaviour of the cercaria further differentiates the new species. Naturally-shed cercariae of P. wigglewomble secrete a jelly-like adhesive that coats the surface of the furca and evidently facilitates attachment to the surface of glass, plastic, and snail shell. Attached cercariae vigorously wiggle and thrash about once attached, as if mimicking the larva of a stream insect so as to lure the blackbanded darter to eat it. Phylogenetic analyses recovered monophyletic Azygiidae, comprising monophyletic Leuceruthrinae Goldberger, 1911 and polyphyletic Azygiinae Lühe, 1909. The present study is the largest taxon sampling for Azygiidae and the first to include 28S sequences of Leuceruthrus. Compact elimia and blackbanded darter are new host records for Proterometra. The new species is the 3rd congener reported from the Cahaba River, a region renowned for its fish and snail endemic biodiversity.

Morphological and molecular characterisation of Rotylenchus astragalus sp. n. (Nematoda: Rhabditida: Hoplolaimidae) from Shanxi province, north China

Summary Rotylenchus astragalus sp. n. is characterised by having females 841-1069 μm long, stylet 28-31 μm long, basal knobs rounded, dorsal pharyngeal gland orifice (DGO) 3-5 μm, lateral field with four incisures, pharyngeal gland lobes slender, overlapping intestine dorsally for 4-12 μm, excretory pore located just posterior to the hemizonid, vulva slightly posterior to mid-body, ovaries paired, phasmid opening relatively large and 8-18 annuli anterior to the anus, tail conoid and absence of males. The matrix code of R. astragalus sp. n. is A5, B3, C1, D4, E1, F2, G1-2, H3, I2, J2, K1. In addition, phylogenetic relationships of the recovered populations were analysed using sequences of the near full length small subunit (SSU) and D2-D3 segments of large subunit (LSU) rRNA genes.

Morphological and molecular characterization of Geraldius galapagoensis (Nematoda: Chambersiellidae) associated with lichens in Argentina

Lichens are symbiotic organisms, usually composed of a fungal partner, the mycobiont, and one or more photosynthetic partners, the photobiont, which is most often either a green alga or a cyanobacterium, that harbor a diverse community of invertebrates such as rotifers, tardigrades, mites, springtails, crustaceans, and nematodes. In this work, we isolated the nematode Geraldius galapagoensis (Chambersiellidae) associated with the lichen Hyperphyscia syncolla (Physciaceae) in a region of Buenos Aires Province, Argentina. This species was discovered in a tropical forest of Ecuador and is characterized mainly by a head offset by a constriction from the rest of the body, a esophagus with a cylindrical pharyngeal corpus without a median bulb, a narrow isthmus and an oval basal pharyngeal bulb with strong transverse/butterfly valve apparatus, a tail curved ventrally, ending in dorsally hooked end; the male with seven pairs of latero-ventral pre-anal papillae and three pairs of post-anal in the following positions: one pair latero-ventral and two pairs dorso-lateral and two slightly curved spicules with asymmetric manubrium with an anterior extension. The comparison of the morphometrics of our G. galapagoensis male with that of the original description shows that the body length is shorter, as are the distance of the excretory pore to the anterior end and the tail. On the other hand, the distance from the anterior end to the nerve ring and the esophagus length are greater. The head width, body diameter and spicule length are quite similar. We provide a morphological and morphometrical characterization of a G. galapagoensis second isolate and the first world report of molecular sequences belonging to this species.

Three new free-living marine nematode species of the family Comesomatidae from Mangrove wetlands in Jinmen County, Taiwan.

Three new free-living marine nematodes, belonging to the genera Dorylaimopsis, Comesoma and Paracomesoma are described from the mangrove wetlands of western Taiwan Island. Dorylaimopsis jinmendaoica sp. nov. is characterized by having a cuticle with lateral differentiation of longitudinal rows of two rows of larger dots in the middle of the body, a spiral amphideal fovea with 2.52.75 turns, excretory pore anterior to nerve ring and 1721 fibriform precloacal supplements. Comesoma quattuordecimsupplementata sp. nov. is characterized by having a spiral amphideal fovea with 2.52.75 turns and 14 fibriform precloacal supplements. Paracomesoma paralissum sp. nov. is characterized by having a spiral amphideal fovea with 3.0 turns and 40 fibriform precloacal supplements. Differentiating characteristics of all known male Dorylaimopsis, Comesoma and Paracomesoma species are also given.

A new species of Aplectana (Nematoda: Cosmocercidae) in Amphisbaena darwinii (Squamata: Amphisbaenidae) from Argentina

In the present study, we describe and illustrate Aplectana nananae n. sp. from the large intestine of Amphisbaena darwinii. Aplectana nananae n. sp. is the second species described in Argentinian amphisbaenian hosts and the 60th species assigned to the genus. This species differs from its congeners by a set of unique characters in males: the presence of 1 unpaired preanal papilla and gubernaculum, the papillae pattern (8+1:2:2) and total number (24+1), very conspicuous and prominent excretory pore, located anterior to the esophageal bulb and the size of spicules (60-70 μm).

Taxonomic and molecular characterization of a new entomopathogenic nematode species, Heterorhabditis casmirica n. sp., and whole genome sequencing of its associated bacterial symbiont

BackgroundNematodes of the genus Heterorhabditis are important biocontrol agents as they form a lethal combination with their symbiotic Photorhabdus bacteria against agricultural insect pests. This study describes a new species of Heterorhabditis.MethodsSix Heterorhabditis nematode populations were recovered from agricultural soils in Jammu and Kashmir, India. An initial examination using mitochondrial and nuclear genes showed that they belong to a new species. To describe this new species, a variety of analyses were conducted, including reconstructing phylogenetic relationships based on multiple genes, characterizing the nematodes at the morphological and morphometric levels, performing self-crossing and cross-hybridization experiments, and isolating and characterizing their symbiotic bacteria.ResultsThe newly discovered species, Heterorhabditis casmirica n. sp., shares 94% mitochondrial cytochrome C oxidase subunit I gene (COI) sequence identity with Heterorhabditis bacteriophora and Heterorhabditis ruandica, and 93% with Heterorhabditis zacatecana. Morphologically, it differs from H. bacteriophora in its infective juvenile phasmids (present vs. inconspicuous) and bacterial pouch visibility in the ventricular portion of the intestine (invisible vs. visible); genital papilla 1 (GP1) position (at manubrium level vs. more anterior), and in its b ratio (body length/neck length), c ratio (tail length/bulb width), and D% [(excretory pore/neck length) × 100]. Other morphological differences include anterior end to the nerve ring distance (77–100 vs. 121–130 μm), V% [(anterior end of vulva/body length) × 100] (46–57 vs. 41–47) in hermaphroditic females; rectum size (slightly longer than the anal body diameter vs. about three times longer), phasmids (smaller vs. inconspicuous), body length (0.13–2.0 vs. 0.32–0.39 mm), body diameter (73–150 vs. 160–220 μm), anterior end to the excretory pore distance (135–157 vs. 174–214 μm), and demanian ratios in amphimictic females. Morphological differences with H. ruandica and H. zacatecana were also observed. Furthermore, H. casmirica n. sp. did not mate or produce fertile progeny with other Heterorhabditis nematodes reported from India. It was also discovered that H. casmirica n. sp. is associated with 'Photorhabdus laumondii subsp. clarkei symbiotic bacteria.ConclusionsThe discovery of H. casmirica n. sp. provides novel insights into the diversity and evolution of Heterorhabditis nematodes and their symbiotic bacteria. This new species adds to the catalog of entomopathogenic nematodes in India.Graphical

First Report of the Root-Lesion Nematode (Pratylenchus thornei Sher and Allen, 1953) Parasitizing Oats in Gansu Province, China.

First Report of the Root-Lesion Nematode (Pratylenchus thornei Sher and Allen, 1953) Parasitizing Oats in Gansu Province, China.

Deladenus taedae n. sp. (Nematoda: Neotylenchidae) in Loblolly pine (Pinus taeda) woods from USA intercepted in Ningbo, P.R. China

Summary Deladenus taedae n. sp. was isolated from loblolly pine wood (Pinus taeda) intercepted in Ningbo, P.R. China, in imports from the USA. This new species is morphologically described and illustrated and characterised molecularly. Both mycetophagous and infective forms were recovered and described. The new species, D. taedae n. sp., resembles some other species of Deladenus in which the excretory pore is situated anterior to the hemizonid. The new species is characterised by the lateral fields with six lines, pointed tail ending and small spermatheca in mycetophagous females and short stylet in infective females. In mycetophagous females, the excretory pore is 74-98 μm from the anterior end and 37-54 μm anterior to the hemizonid. The partial rDNA 18S, complete internal transcribed spacer, 5.8S and partial 28S D2/D3 genes were amplified and sequenced. Phylogenetic analyses of the genes distinguished this new species from all other sequenced Deladenus species.