An update on the occurrence and distribution of Family Longidoridae in continental Portugal and the archipelagos of the Azores and Madeira

Abstract

"Dagger" (genus Xiphinema) and "needle" (genus Longidorus and Paralongidorus) (Nematoda: Longidoridae) are two large groups of ectoparasitic nematodes considered to be important economical pests because of their activity as vectors of important plant nepovirus, with some species included in the list of quarantine pathogenic organisms in many European countries. Knowledge of the biodiversity and occurrence of nematode group species is a prerequisite for the establishment of sound management strategies and control measures. According to date, collection from database published in specialized literature, and also some news reports of some species, a set of maps updating the distribution and occurrence of dagger and needle species in Portugal is herein proposed. To date a total of 55 species (15 Longidorus, 1 Paralongidorus and 39 Xiphinema) have been recorded to be present in the Portuguse territories; 54 species in Continental Portugal while seven and eigth species in the archipelagos of the Azores and Madeira respectively. The biodiversity of species in Portugal appears to be one of the highest in the world, though higher in dagger than in needle nematodes.