Diversity of root-knot nematodes parasitizing coffee in Central America

The diversity of root knot nematodes parasitizing coffee orchards in Central America was newly assessedthrough a broad regional survey. Populations of Meloidogyne spp. were identified by their esterase phenotype. Elevenesterase phenotypes were observed and nine species identified. Meloidogyne exigua was the most widely distributedwhile M. arabicida, M. arenaria, M. hapla, M. izalcoensis and M. paranaensis appeared to be much more localized.Concerning M. paranaensis, only observed in Guatemala, the two-band esterase phenotypes prevailed. About M.arenaria, the one-band esterase phenotype (A1) was observed for the first time on coffee in one population inGuatemala. A three-band esterase phenotype (A3) was observed in two populations in El Salvador and could belongto M. morocciensis. The presence of M. enterolobii on coffee in Central America was confirmed with one populationfrom Guatemala and another one from Costa Rica as a new report. Based on esterase diagnosis identifications ofM. incognita were made for the first time on coffee in the region: in Costa Rica, El Salvador and Guatemala. Takentogether, the results of the survey revealed a high number of root knot nematode species present on coffee throughoutCentral America.