Morphological and Molecular Characterization of Prevalent Plant-Parasitic Nematodes from Turfgrasses in Guangdong, China

The turfgrass industry has undergone a rapid development in Guangdong province, China, which has the largest number of golf courses in the country. Recent surveys of turfgrasses in the province revealed five plant-parasitic nematodes that are prevalent: Helicotylenchus dihystera, Mesocriconema xenoplax, Meloidogyne graminis, Hemicriconemoides rosae and Tylenchorhynchus leviterminalis. The most prevalent species are M. xenoplax and M. graminis, found in 60.6% and 27.3% of locations, respectively. These five species are morphologically and morphometrically described. Molecular characterization and phylogenetic analyses using 18S rRNA and the D2-D3 expansion segments of 28S rRNA sequences are provided. This is the first report on molecular characterization and phylogenetic relationships of plant-parasitic nematodes associated with turfgrasses in Guangdong, China. This work was a first step for future study including pathogenicity assay, relationship examination with other pathogens and development of control measures of these turf nematodes to provide more precise and effective management options to turf superintendents.