PIN NEMATODE SPECIES INFESTING GRAPEVINE SOILS IN PORTUGAL

Abstract

Pin nematodes (Paratylenchus spp.) currently comprise 132 species of polyphagous plant ectoparasites with at least seven species that are plant pathogenic emphasizing the need for correct identification to establish an appropriate management strategy. Sequences of ribosomal and mitochondrial RNA genes area powerful species level iagnostic tool within the genus Paratylenchus. Since 2019, nematological surveys are conducted in the main grapevine-growing areas of Central and South Portugal. Thus, the main aim is to evaluate the biodiversity. prevalence and distribution of Paratylenchus species from four major grapevine-growing areas of Central and South Portugal using an integrative approach. Contrasting morphological hypotheses with molecular data provided rapid detection of eight Paratylenchus species.