Summary: Roots of Solanum lycopersicum L. were collected in growing season of year 2015, on the island of Santiago in Cape Verde. Morphological, morphometric and molecular (18S rDNA and 28S rDNA) studies revealed the presence of Pratylenchus brachyurus and P. delattrei in root systems and root zones of tomato plants. To our knowledge, this is the first record of the occurrence of these nematode species in Cape Verde.

Meloidogyne spp. are serious pests on many economically important plants, including food crops, vegetables, ornamental trees, and shrubs. Galled roots of Paulownia tomentosa Steud were collected from a plantation in the 2018 growing season in Poland. Morphological, morphometric, and molecular studies revealed the presence of Meloidogyne hapla in root systems and root zones of empress trees. To our knowledge, this is the first record of the occurrence of this nematode species on Paulownia tomentosa in Poland, as well as in Europe.

The plant-parasitic nematodes of Iceland are poorly understood. To address this, a study of the nematodes of the families Criconematidae and Hemicycliophoridae was performed in 2015. Soil samples were taken from underneath various host plants in different locations in Iceland. The identification was performed on the basis of the general morphology and subsequently confirmed by molecular markers (D2-D3 28S rDNA). The study revealed the presence of nematode specimens belonging to four species of the family Criconematidae: Criconemoides amorphus, Criconema demani, Mesocriconema xenoplax and Mesocriconema curvatum, as well as one species Hemicycliophora conida of the family Hemicycliophoridae. To our knowledge, this is the first record of the occurrence of these nematode species in Iceland. The species identified are economically important plant-parasitic nematodes of likely interest to—among others—Icelandic plant protection professionals. This report broadens our knowledge of Iceland’s nematode biodiversity; moreover, morphological analyses and molecular data may contribute to better understanding the origin of nematode species on the island of Iceland.

During a survey of plant parasitic nematodes associated with Miscanthus × giganteus which was carried out in Ukraine in 2016–2017, an occurrence of Rotylenchus agnetis Szczygieł, 1968, Rotylenchus pumilus Perry, 1959 and Paratylenchus nanus Cobb, 1923 was found. To the best of our knowledge this is the first record of a parasite species which can damage M. × giganteus. The species were described morphologically and using molecular tools. Further profound study on pathogenicity of those species is needed.

Assuming that the seeds of Vicia sativa L. have a stressful effect on J2 stage Meloidogyne hapla , we undertook research on the effect of these seeds on the motility and mortality of J2 and determined the expression levels of selected hsp genes in J2. The assessment of the effect of V. sativa seeds on the motility of M. hapla specimens consisted of observing the movement of J2 immersed in a seed diffusate or in a tomato root filtrate at temperatures of 10, 17, and 21°C. In J2 treated with V. sativa (cv. Ina) seed diffusates, the expression level of hsp genes was determined by qPCR. J2 exposed to V. sativa diffusates were found to lose their motility, while their mortality did not exceed 30%. J2 in the seed diffusate were characterized by an increase in the expression levels of the Mh-hsp 90, Mh-hsp 1, and Mh-hsp 43 genes. It is suggested that the hsp 90 gene may be a potential bioindicator of the environmental impact on Meloidogyne nematodes. The impaired ability to move in J2 of M. hapla is attributable to the occurrence of V. sativa seeds in their habitat. These studies may contribute to developing methods of reducing crop damage caused by M. hapla .

Meloidogyne incognita is a serious pest of several economically important plants in tropical and subtropical regions. One such plant, tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.), is one of the most widely grown vegetables on irrigated land in Cape Verde. In June 2015, tomato plants (cv. Savana) with symptoms of stunting, leaf wilting and poor fruiting, were recorded in a field in Achada Colaço, Santiago Island (15°06'35.3"N, 23°31'31.9"W). Roots of these plants were galled indicating the occurrence of root-knot nematodes. Detected nematodes were isolated and dissected from roots using standard procedures. Morphological and genetic studies revealed the presence of M. incognita. Female (n = 47) perineal patterns showed a high and squared dorsal arch composed of smooth to wavy striae; distinct lateral lines were absent. Stylet had cone curved dorsally, knobs broadly elongated and set off from the shaft. Males’ heads possessed a high and wide head cap with centrally concave labial disc. The measurements of males (n = 5)...