Nematodes are non-segmented roundworms evenly distributed with various habitats ranging to approximately every ecological extremity. These are the least studied organisms despite being the most diversified group. Nematodes are the most critical equilibrium-maintaining factors, having implications on the yield and health of plants as well as well-being of animals. However, taxonomic knowledge about nematodes is scarce. As a result of the lack of precise taxonomic features, nematode taxonomy remains uncertain. Morphology-based identification has proved inefficacious in identifying and exploring the diversity of nematodes, as there are insufficient morphological variations. Different molecular and new evolving methodologies have been employed to augment morphology-based approaches and bypass these difficulties with varying effectiveness. These identification techniques vary from molecular-based targeting DNA or protein-based targeting amino acid sequences to methods for image processing. High-throughput approaches such as next-generation sequencing have also been added to this league. These alternative approaches have helped to classify nematodes and enhanced the base for increased diversity and phylogeny of nematodes, thus helping to formulate increasingly more nematode bases for use as model organisms to study different hot topics about human well-being. Here, we discuss all the methods of nematode identification as an essential shift from classical morphometric studies to the most important modern-day and molecular approaches for their identification. Classification varies from DNA/protein-based methods to the use of new emerging methods. However, the priority of the method relies on the quality, quantity, and availability of nematode resources and down-streaming applications. This paper reviews all currently offered methods for the detection of nematodes and known/unknown and cryptic or sibling species, emphasizing modern-day methods and budding molecular techniques.

Plant resources have been used by humans for their wellbeing for ages. Tribal communities live in far flung areas in close proximity with forests and have a rich cultural heritage and traditional knowledge of forest resources. The present study was carried out in the Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir to document the traditional knowledge of plant usage and local perception towards biodiversity conservation. A total of 86 informants were selected through non-probability sampling using a convenience sampling method based on easy access, availability and relevance of informants. During the present study, a total of 92 plant species belonging to 85 genera and 57 families were recorded. Fabaceae and Rosaceae were found to be dominant families. In terms of growth forms, herbaceous species were dominant, followed by trees. Leaves were the most common parts used, followed by fruits. These plant species are used for different purposes such as medicine, edibles, fodder and dye making. A number of plant species were found to be multipurpose in use. Most of the documented plant species are collected by local people from the wild. Local people perceived that the populations of many species, such as Dolomiaea costus, Dioscorea deltoidea and Dolomiaea macrocephala, have declined in recent decades. Climate change, urbanization, deforestation, pollution, overexploitation and species invasion are some of the major threats to biodiversity perceived by the local people. Therefore, the establishment of protected areas and cultivation of wild species are recommended to safeguard forest wealth of the area. Furthermore, mass awareness and cooperation-building programs are highly recommended so that locals can enthusiastically participate in conservation and management programs.

Quercorhabditis rajouriensis gen. n., sp. n. is described and illustrated. Distinctive characters include a labial region set off by a constriction and wider than adjoining body, heavily sclerotized cheilostom with arched rhabdions, barely differentiable stegostom, amphidelphic gonads, spicules with a free dorsal arm, and a leptoderan bursa with ten pairs of bursal papillae. The new genus resembles Diploscapteriodes Rahm, 1928 in the shape of cheilostom, presence of amphidelphic gonads, leptoderan bursa and long conoid tail. However, it can be differentiated from the latter genus in the shape of labial region, cheilostomal sclerotization, absence of ridge-like tooth in gymnostom, having spicules with a free dorsal arm, somewhat boat-shaped gubernaculum and in having ten pairs of bursal papillae. The new genus also resembles Curviditis (Dougherty, 1953) Andrássy, 1983, Rhabditella (Cobb, 1929) Chitwood, 1933 and Metarhabditis Tahseen et. al., 2004 in having spicules with free dorsal arm. However, it can be differentiated from these related genera by its heavily cuticularised cheilostom with arched rhabdions and barely differentiable stegostom. The new genus can further be differentiated from Curviditis and Rhabditella in having a well developed bursa and from Metarhabditis by its leptoderan bursa with ten pairs of bursal papillae arranged in 3+4+3 arrangement.

A new genus, Loffienema dhanoriensis gen. n., sp. n. is described and illustrated from soil mixed with mature compost of Biodiversity Park, Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah (BGSB) University, Rajouri, Jammu and Kashmir, India. It is characterized by medium-sized body, slightly offset labial region, weakly developed, isoglottoid stegostom, amphidelphic reproductive system, slender and separate spicules, spathulate gubernaculum and reduced bursa with eight pairs of bursal rays. Its relationship and distinguishing features with other closely related genera are discussed.