Meloidogyne hispanica infects many economically important crops worldwide. The accurate identification of this pathogen is essential for the establishment of efficient and sustainable integrated pest management programs. Portuguese M. hispanica isolates were studied by biometrical, biochemical, and molecular characteristics. Biometrical characteristics of M. hispanica females, males, and second-stage juveniles were similar to the original description. Biochemical studies revealed a unique enzyme pattern (Hi4) for M. hispanica esterases that allowed for species differentiation. Molecular analysis of the mtDNA region from COII and 16S rRNA genes resulted in amplification products (1,800 bp) similar to M. hispanica, M. ethiopica, and M. javanica, and the described HinfI was unable to discriminate M. hispanica from the other two species. Analysis of the mtDNA sequences revealed altered nucleotides among the isolates that created new restriction sites for AluI and DraIII. The resulting restriction patterns successfully discriminated between the three species, providing a new tool for Meloidogyne identification. Finally, the phylogenetic relationship between M. hispanica and several Meloidogyne spp. sequences was analyzed using mtDNA, confirming the divergence between meiotic and mitotic species and revealing the proximity of M. hispanica to closely related species. Based on the studies conducted, the application of isozyme or polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis would be a useful and efficient methodology for M. hispanica identification.

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is one of the main cultivated crops worldwide and represents a staple food for more than half of the world population. Root-knot nematodes (RKNs), Meloidogyne spp., and particularly M. graminicola, are serious pests of rice, being, probably, the most economically important plant-parasitic nematode in this crop. M. graminicola is an obligate sedentary endoparasite adapted to flooded conditions. Until recently, M. graminicola was present mainly in irrigated rice fields in Asia, parts of the Americas, and South Africa. However, in July 2016, it was found in northern Italy in the Piedmont region and in May 2018 in the Lombardy region in the province of Pavia. Following the first detection in the EPPO region, this pest was included in the EPPO Alert List as its wide host range and ability to survive during long periods in environments with low oxygen content, represent a threat for rice production in the European Union. Considering the impact of this nematode on agriculture, a literature review focusing on M. graminicola distribution, biology, identification, and management was conducted.