Meloidogyne aquatilis n. sp (Nematoda:Meloidogynidae) from Spartina pectinata with a key to the Canadian species of Meloidogyne [Root-knot nematode; Canada]

A new root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne aquatilis n. sp., attacking the roots of Spartina pectinata Link growing in the Ottawa River is described and illustrated. Meloidogyne aquatilis is distinguished from M. graminis by the light brown body color and by the absence of perineal lateral fields in the female. The male differs by the shorter stylet and by the hemizonid being separated by 7-9 annules from the excretory pore. The second-stage juveniles are also recognized by the 7-9-annule gap between the hemizonid and excretory pore and by the shorter tail with a disc-like subterminal tail structure, lower b ratio value, and inflated rectum. A key to the root-knot nematode species of Canada based on females, males, and juveniles is provided. The type host of Dolichodera fluvialis Mulvey and Ebsary, 1980, Spartina pectinata Link, is reported for the first time.