Survey of the genus Bursaphelenchus Fuchs, 1937 (Nematoda: Aphelenchoididae) in Romania

Abstract

An overview of the occurrence of species of the genus Bursaphelenchus in Romania is presented. The data is based on recent surveys conducted for the first time throughout the country, to monitor and evaluate the potential entry of the pine wood nematode, Bursaphelenchus xylophilus. Wood samples were collected from declining trees, woodprocessing companies and imported wood packaging material. Of the 895 wood samples examined, 11 contained Bursaphelenchus specimens. Morphological and molecular analyses were carried out to characterize the species detected. With respect to the possible presence of B. xylophilus, all samples were negative, confirming the absence of this quarantine pest in Romania. Nevertheless, five Bursaphelenchus species were found: B. hofmanni, B. poligraphi, B. vallesianus, B. willibaldi, and one putative new species belonging to the sexdentati group, classified here as Bursaphelenchus sp. NR512. These results constitute the first report of the genus Bursaphelenchus in Romania.