The morphological characteristics and phylogenetic analysis of Pratylenchus vulnus Taiwan strawberry isolate

Pratylenchus vulnus was discovered in nematode-distributing fields from symptomatic seedling roots and corresponding rhizosphere soil on strawberry farms in Taiwan. Microscopic measurements and scanning electron microscope observations of both sexes of the nematode coincided with the general morphological descriptions of the species. Four different types of female tail termini were observed, including pointed, digitate, smooth and tapering. Molecular analysis of the ribosomal RNA sequence (SSU, ITS and LSU regions) and the mitochondria COI gene sequences confirmed the species identification. Phylogenetic analysis suggested no specific geographic linkage of the Taiwan population to other previously reported populations.