First report of leaf anthracnose on the Whorled Sunflower, Helianthus verticillatus, caused by Colletotrichum fioriniae in the United States

Whorled sunflower, Helianthus verticillatus Small, is an endangered (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 2014) perennial sunflower species indigenous to the southern United States (Matthews et al. 2002; Ellis et al. 2008). Helianthus verticillatus has a showy yellow floral display in the Fall that attracts a diversity of insect visitors (Strange et al. 2020). Its hardiness in the landscape and late-season blooming makes it a potential ornamental (Trigiano et al. 2021). In June 2021, anthracnose-like lesions were observed on mature leaves collected from potted H. verticillatus plants grown in the nursery compound at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, USA. Irregularly shaped leaf spots with 1‒2 mm tan centers were observed on mature leaves, which later expanded to 3‒5 mm, and became dark brown- to- black surrounded by chlorotic halos (Fig.1). Lesions from three infected leaves were excised from a single potted plant, trimmed to 1.5-cm squares with green borders, and surface-sterilized (Trigiano et al. 2018). Tissues were placed onto potato dextrose agar (PDA), amended with 100 mg/ml of each streptomycin sulfate and chlorotetracycline, and incubated at 21 °C in the dark until axenic cultures were obtained. Initially, appressed white- to- pale gray mycelia were formed that turned light pinkish-orange with age (Fig. 2A). Conidia (Fig. 2B-C) were single-celled, hyaline, and cylindrical- to- fusiform with acute ends, and were similar to Colletotrichum fioriniae (Damm et al. 2012). Conidia measured 8.9 ± 1.3 μm long and 3.3 ± 0.6 μm wide (N=40). Genomic DNA was isolated with a Phire Direct Plant PCR kit (Thermo FisherScientific, Waltham, MA). The partial beta-tubulin (TUB2) gene, chitin synthase 1 (CHS-1) gene, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) gene, and the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of ribosomal DNA were amplified with primers T1/BT2B, CHS-354R/CHS-79F, GDF1/GDR1, and ITS1/ITS4, respectively and sequenced (Damm et al. 2012). The resulting sequences were submitted to GenBank (TUB2, ON036471; CHS-1, ON036472; GAPDH, ON036470; and ITS, ON008206). Consensus sequences had 100% identity with C. fioriniae type culture CBS 128517 accessions JQ949943 (TUB2), JQ948953 (CHS-1), JQ948622 (GAPDH), and MH865005 (ITS rDNA). Because H. verticillatus is endangered, and the scarcity of available plant material, Koch's postulates were performed using a detached leaf assay (Boggess et al. 2022). Six healthy leaves were surface-sterilized using the previously described protocol, longitudinally bisected, and placed on 1.5% water agar in three 15 × 100 mm petri dishes. Three half leaves were inoculated with sterile, 5 mm-diameter PDA plugs (controls). The remaining three leaves were inoculated with 5 mm-diameter PDA plugs of C. fioriniae and incubated as described previously. After ten days, necrotic lesions developed on leaves inoculated with C. fioriniae and were similar to the initially observed lesions on plants. Lesions did not develop on control leaves. Colletotrichum fioriniae was re-isolated from lesions using the previously described protocol. The disease does not appear to cause mortality of H. verticillatus and does not require control measures but does reduce the aesthetic value of the plant. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of C. fioriniae infecting H. verticillatus in the United States.

Review of nematode interactions with hemp (Cannabis sativa)

The many decades during which the cultivation of Cannabis sativa (hemp) was strongly restricted by law resulted in little research on potential pathogenic nematodes of this increasingly important crop. The primary literature was searched for hemp-nematode papers, resulting in citations from 1890 through 2021. Reports were grouped into two categories: (i) nematodes as phytoparasites of hemp, and (ii) hemp and hemp products and extracts for managing nematode pests. Those genera with the most citations as phytoparasites were Meloidogyne (root-knot nematodes, 20 papers), Pratylenchus (lesion nematodes, 7) and Ditylenchus (stem nematodes, 7). Several Meloidogyne spp. were shown to reproduce on hemp and some field damage has been reported. Experiments with Heterodera humuli (hop cyst nematode) were contradictory. Twenty-three papers have been published on the effects of hemp and hemp products on plant-parasitic, animal-parasitic and microbivorous species. The effects of hemp tissue soil incorporation were studied in five papers; laboratory or glasshouse experiments with aqueous or ethanol extracts of hemp leaves accounted for most of the remainder. Many of these treatments had promising results but no evidence was found of large-scale implementation. The primary literature was also searched for chemistry of C. sativa roots. The most abundant chemicals were classified as phytosterols and triterpenoids. Cannabinoid concentration was frequently reported due to the interest in medicinal C. sativa. Literature on the impact of root-associated chemicals on plant parasitic nematodes was also searched; in cases where there were no reports, impacts on free-living or animal parasitic nematodes were discussed.

Endophytic Beauveria bassiana increases galling of 'Rutgers' tomato roots with Meloidogyne incognita

Beauveria bassiana is endophytic in many plant species and has been shown to protect host plants against insect pests and plant pathogens. However, less is known about its activity against plant-parasitic nematodes. In vitro and plant assays were conducted to determine the effect of B. bassiana 11-98 (Bb) on Meloidogyne incognita (root-knot nematode; RKN). Beauveria bassiana was confirmed as an endophyte in ‘Rutgers’ tomato and colonization patterns of Bb in ‘Rutgers’ (highly susceptible to RKN) were compared with those in ‘Mountain Spring’ (less susceptible to RKN). In greenhouse tests with ‘Rutgers’ at 30 and 60 days after treatment (DAT) with RKN and Bb, there were few differences in plant growth variables among treatments in repeated trials. However, RKN root galling and egg count/root system were enhanced in plants treated with Bb at 60 DAT. In an in vitro assay with egg masses from greenhouse tests, the percentages of hatched eggs, and mobile and immobile nematodes did not differ significantly for RKN and RKN+Bb treatments. The presence of viable Bb from roots was confirmed by collecting egg suspensions from root galls and plating them on selective medium. Colonies of Bb were verified on agar medium, but no parasitism of RKN eggs was observed. Research is needed to investigate factors responsible for increased galling by RKN in the presence of endophytic Bb in ‘Rutgers’ tomato.

Papers and New Species of Minor Insect Orders Published in Zootaxa, 20012020

A summary is presented of papers published on minor insect orders (MIO) in Zootaxa's first 20 years, as well as the number of new species described therein. The MIO orders currently covered by the editors and summarized here include Archaeognatha (Microcoryphia), Dermaptera, Embioptera, Siphonaptera, Zoraptera and Zygentoma, as well as the hexapod classes Protura and Diplura. Both fossil and extant taxa of these groups are included in the MIO purview. The MIO editors also have frequently served as interim editors for groups temporarily without a subject-matter editor, such as Carabidae, Blattodea and Mantodea; as a backup editor for Mecoptera; and as ad-hoc editors for papers written by the editors of a different taxonomic group or for papers without a single-taxon focus. In the period 2001‒2020, descriptions of 130 new species were published, compared with 816 species in all other journals. The greatest number of species were for Protura (49), while Zoraptera had the highest proportion of papers compared to all publications (50%).

Soil nematode functional diversity, successional patterns, and indicator taxa associated with vertebrate decomposition hotspots

Decomposition of vertebrate remains is a dynamic process that creates localized soil enrichment zones. A growing body of literature has documented effects of vertebrate decomposition on soil pH, electrical conductivity, oxygen levels, nitrogen and carbon speciation, microbial biomass, and microbial successional patterns. However, relatively few studies have examined the microfaunal members of the soil food web that function as secondary consumers, specifically nematodes. Nematodes are often used as indicators of enrichment in other systems, and initial observations from vertebrate decomposition zones have indicated there is an effect on nematode communities. Our goal was to catalog decomposition-induced nematode succession and changes to alpha, beta, and functional diversity, and identify potential indicator taxa associated with decomposition progression. Six adult beaver (Castor canadensis) carcasses were allowed to decompose in a forest ecosystem for one year. During this period soil temperature, moisture, and electrical conductivity were monitored. Soils samples were taken at two depths in order to assess nematode community dynamics: 30-cm cores and 1-cm interface samples. Nematode abundance, alpha, beta, and functional diversity all responded to soil enrichment at the onset of active decay, and impacts persisted through skeletonization. After one year, nematode abundances and alpha diversity had recovered to original levels, however both community membership and functional diversity remained significantly altered. We identified seven indicator taxa that marked major transitions in decomposition progression. Enrichment of Rhabditidae (B1) and Diplogasteridae (B1) coupled with depletion in Filenchus (F2) characterized active and advanced decay prior to skeletonization in both cores and interface soils. Enrichment of Acrobeloides (B2), Aphelenchoides (F2), Tylencholaimidae (F4) and Seinura (P2) occurred during a narrow period in mid-skeletonization (day 153). Our study has revealed soil nematode successional patterns during vertebrate decomposition and has identified organisms that may function as indicator taxa for certain periods during decomposition.

Heth pivari n. sp. (Nematoda: Ransomnematoidea: Hethidae) from the indigenous North American millipede Narceus gordanus (Spirobolida: Spirobolidae), with keys for worldwide Heth spp

Forty-four specimens of the millipede Narceus gordanus Chamberlin, 1943 (Spirobolida: Spirobolidae) were collected from Alachua, Citrus, Hernando, and Marion counties in peninsular Florida. Morphometric data were recorded for each. Nematodes were dissected from the intestine of each individual and sorted into morphotaxa. Heth pivari n. sp. (Oxyuridomorpha: Ransomnematoidea: Hethidae) was found in 33 (75%) of dissected N. gordanus and examined with brightfield, differential interference contrast, phase contrast and scanning electron microscopies. LSU rDNA sequences of representative males and females of H. pivari n. sp. were analyzed and compared to sequences of nematodes in the infraorder Rhigonematomorpha. Heth mauriesi, an introduced species, also was sequenced. Females of H. pivari n. sp. differ from those of other Heth spp. in having smooth, button-like somatic and cervical papillae and shallow, shield-like cervical collars. Males have slit-like or narrowed, rather than circular, stomal openings. Heth pivari n. sp. is the first species of this genus found in an indigenous millipede north of Mexico. Keys based on female cervical ornamentation are provided to differentiate the 52 known Heth spp.

Effects of Soil Fauna on Cellulose and Lignin Decomposition of Plant Litter in the Changbai Mountain, China

Cellulose and lignin decomposition is crucial for efficient nutrient cycling, yet few studies have been performed regarding the effects of soil fauna on cellulose and lignin decomposition. This study was conducted to better understand the effects of soil fauna on lignin and cellulose decomposition in the Changbai Mountain. Litterbags of two different mesh sizes were used to examine cellulose and lignin decomposition of 11 species of plant litter in the four vegetation zones of the Changbai Mountain North Slope over a 24-mo period. Cellulose and lignin clearly declined over time for all 11 species of plant litter. Cellulose decomposition rate faster than the rate of lignin decomposition in the majority of plant species. Soil fauna could promote the decomposition of cellulose and lignin. The abundance and richness of soil fauna in coniferous broad-leaved mixed forests were greater than in coniferous forest, Betula ermanii Cham. (Fagales: Betulaceae) forest, and alpine tundra. Soil fauna had a greater effect on Abies nephrolepis Maxim. (Pinales: Pinaceae) cellulose and lignin, whereas contribution rates were relatively lower in the Fraxinus mandshurica Rupr. (Contortae: Oleaceae) and Acer mono Maxim. (Sapindales: Aceraceae) litterbags at the end of the experiment. Litter quality was negatively correlated with the soil faunal contribution to litter decomposition directly. Overall, the findings of this study have implications for the effects of soil fauna on cellulose and lignin decomposition in the alpine ecosystem, and also can provide experimental evidence that soil faunal contribution is affected by soil faunal communities and litter quality.

Agricultural intensification and urbanization negatively impact soil nematode richness and abundance: a meta-analysis

Human activity has extensively transformed the land surface by agricultural intensification and urbanization. In soil, nematodes are the most abundant invertebrates. The effect of human interventions was assessed on overall richness, overall abundance, richness and abundance of nematodes of each trophic group and colonizer-persister (c-p) guild by comparing urban, agriculture and disturbed grassland (DGL) with natural grassland (NGL) and forest ecosystems. Meta-analyses were conducted to generate quantitative summaries from 111 published articles that met the inclusion criteria, 91 expressed data in grams and 20 expressed data in cm³. Results from data expressed per 100 g of soil indicated that overall richness was higher in forest than in NGL, DGL, urban, and agriculture ecosystems. The richness of all c-p guilds and of all trophic groups except herbivores was highest in forest ecosystems. In contrast, overall abundance was highest in DGL, agriculture and forest ecosystems. The abundance of c-p 1, c-p 2 and c-p 3 guilds and bacterivores, fungivores and herbivores was highest in disturbed ecosystems, while the abundance of c-p 4 and c-p 5 guilds and predators and omnivores was highest in relatively undisturbed ecosystems. Results from data expressed as nematodes per 100 cm³ of soil indicated that abundance followed a similar pattern, but richness often differed between the two methodologies. These meta-analyses strengthen the concept that human interventions adversely impact both richness and abundance using nematodes as soil health bioindicators.

Human activity has extensively transformed the land surface by agricultural intensification and urbanization. In soil, nematodes are the most abundant invertebrates. The effect of human interventions was assessed on overall richness, overall abundance, richness and abundance of nematodes of each trophic group and colonizer-persister (c-p) guild by comparing urban, agriculture and disturbed grassland (DGL) with natural grassland (NGL) and forest ecosystems. Meta-analyses were conducted to generate quantitative summaries from 111 published articles that met the inclusion criteria, 91 expressed data in grams and 20 expressed data in cm³. Results from data expressed per 100 g of soil indicated that overall richness was higher in forest than in NGL, DGL, urban, and agriculture ecosystems. The richness of all c-p guilds and of all trophic groups except herbivores was highest in forest ecosystems. In contrast, overall abundance was highest in DGL, agriculture and forest ecosystems. The abundance of c-p 1, c-p 2 and c-p 3 guilds and bacterivores, fungivores and herbivores was highest in disturbed ecosystems, while the abundance of c-p 4 and c-p 5 guilds and predators and omnivores was highest in relatively undisturbed ecosystems. Results from data expressed as nematodes per 100 cm³ of soil indicated that abundance followed a similar pattern, but richness often differed between the two methodologies. These meta-analyses strengthen the concept that human interventions adversely impact both richness and abundance using nematodes as soil health bioindicators.

Spatial impacts of a multi-individual grave on microbial and microfaunal communities and soil biogeochemistry

Decomposing vertebrates, including humans, result in pronounced changes in surrounding soil biogeochemistry, particularly nitrogen (N) and carbon (C) availability, and alter soil micro- and macrofauna. However, the impacts of subsurface human decomposition, where oxygen becomes limited and microbial biomass is generally lower, are far less understood. The goals of this study were to evaluate the impact of human decomposition in a multi-individual, shallow (~70 cm depth) grave on soil biogeochemistry and soil microbial and nematode communities. Three individuals were interred and allowed to decay for four years. Soils were collected from two depths (0‒5 and 30‒35 cm) along linear transects radiating from the grave as well as from within and below (85‒90 cm depth) the grave during excavation to assess how decomposition affects soil properties. Along radiating surface transects, several extracellular enzymes rates and nematode richness increased with increasing distance from the grave, and likely reflect physical site disruption due to grave excavation and infill. There was no evidence of carcass-sourced C and N lateral migration from the grave, at least at 30‒35 cm depth. Within the grave, soils exhibited significant N-enrichment (e.g., ammonium, dissolved organic N), elevated electrical conductivity, and elevated respiration rates with depth. Soil biogeochemistry within the grave, particularly in the middle (30‒35 cm) and base (70‒75 cm depth), was significantly altered by human decomposition. Mean microbial gene abundances changed with depth in the grave, demonstrating increased microbial presence in response to ongoing decomposition. Human-associated Bacteroides were only detected at the base of the grave where anoxic conditions prevailed. Nematode community abundance and richness were reduced at 70‒75 cm and not detectable below 85‒90 cm. Further, we identified certain Plectus spp. as potential indicators of enrichment due to decomposition. Here we demonstrate that human decomposition influences soil biogeochemistry, microbes, and microfauna up to four years after burial.

Stauratostoma shelleyi n. gen., n. sp. (Nematoda: Rhabditida: Thelastomatidae) from Appalachian Polydesmid Millipedes (Polydesmida: Xystodesmidae)

Stauratostoma shelleyi n. gen., n. sp. is described from the midgut and hindgut of nine species of the millipede family Xystodesmidae collected in the southern Appalachian regions of North Carolina, Tennessee and Alabama. Specimens of S. shelleyi were morphologically examined with differential interference contrast, phase contrast, and scanning electron microscopy. The head of S. shelleyi differs from other thelastomatid nematodes in having a head region mushroom-shaped in profile; cruciform stomatal opening formed from four flaps; greatly expanded labial disc; and eight-sectored annule-like column supporting the labial disc. Thirteen nematodes from various hosts were sequenced for 28S LSU rDNA and compared with other millipede-inhabiting nematodes. Stauratostoma shelleyi is the sister group to the few Thelastoma spp. that have been molecularly characterized using the D2-D3 expansion segments of the 28S LSU rDNA.

A novel picornavirus-like genome from transcriptome sequencing of sugar beet cyst nematode represents a new putative genus

Analysis of transcriptome sequence data from eggs and second-stage juveniles (J2s) of sugar beet cyst nematode (SBCN, Heterodera schachtii) identified the full-length genome of a positive-sense single-stranded RNA virus, provisionally named sugar beet cyst nematode virus 1 (SBCNV1). The SBCNV1 sequence was detected in both eggs and J2s, indicating its possible vertical transmission. The 9503-nucleotide genome sequence contains a single long open reading frame, which was predicted to encode a polyprotein with conserved domains for picornaviral structural proteins proximal to its amino terminus and RNA helicase, cysteine proteinase and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) conserved domains proximal to its carboxyl terminus, hallmarks of viruses belonging to the order Picornavirales. Phylogenetic analysis of the predicted SBCNV1 RdRp amino acid sequence indicated that the SBCNV1 sequence is most closely related to members of the family Secoviridae, which includes genera of nematode-transmitted plant-infecting viruses. SBCNV1 represents the first fully sequenced viral genome from SBCN.

A key for the determination of European species of Eosentomon Berlese, 1909 (Protura, Eosentomata, Eosentomidae)

European species of Eosentomon are examined. A taxonomic key to identification of 61 Eosentomon species is provided based on body chaetotaxy, shape, and position of sensilla on the foretarsus and shape of sensilla on the maxillary palps. Biogeographically, 13 of the known European Eosentomon species are known only from their type localities.

Two new genera and five new species of Tullbergiidae (Collembola) from the southern Appalachian Mountains of North America, with redescription of Tullbergia clavata Mills

Two new genera and five new species of Tullbergiidae (Collembola) are described from the North American Appalachian zone in eastern Tennessee and western North Carolina. Ameritulla n. gen. is established for species with 15 setae on the middle tibiotarsus, blunt papilla A on the labial palpus, two long rows of vesicles in the postantennal organ (PAO), two dorsal sensilla on the third antennal segment and crescentic pseudocelli. Ameritulla clavata (Mills, 1934) n. comb. (=Tullbergia clavata Mills, 1934) is designated as type species and redescribed from type specimens, and A. obscura n. sp. is described. On Mixturatulla ozwini n. gen., n. sp. papillae A and B of the labial palpus are thick and blunt, the second row of the PAO is laterally broken into numerous spherical vesicles, and the dorsum of Abd. VI has two rows of large, coalesced tubercles. Psammophorura miniclavata n. sp. lacks pseudocelli on the third abdominal segment, which are present in previously described species. Stenaphorura shaconage n. sp. is the first species of its genus reliably recorded from North America. It differs from its Palaearctic relatives in having 2+2 pseudocelli on most body segments. Tullbergia nearctica n. sp. resembles T. arctica (Wahlgren, 1900) but differs in several chaetotaxic characters. Sensilliform setae traditionally considered as ordinary pointed setae are recognized and charted. A new setal nomenclature is proposed for the ventral setae of the sixth abdominal segment.

Records of Pauropoda (Pauropodidae, Brachypauropodidae, Eurypauropodidae, Sphaeropauropodidae) from China, with a key to the species and descriptions of three new species of Decapauropus

The arthropod class Pauropoda was not recognized from China until 1988, but currently 36 known species are now recorded from 27 sites in 18 provinces. This paper contains descriptions of three new species of Decapauropus Remy, 1931: D. biclavula sp. n., D. annulcordatus sp. n. and D. tribulosus sp. n. from Jiangsu, Hunan, Jiangxi and Guangxi Provinces, respectively. These three new species bring the known pauropod fauna of China to 39 species in 11 genera and four families. In addition, Dasongius (Sun & Guo, 2010) nom. nov. is proposed to replace the invalid junior homonym of Songius Sun & Guo, 2010.

Collembola of Rapa Nui (Easter Island) with descriptions of five endemic cave-restricted species

Eight species of Collembola are reported from recent collections made in caves on the Polynesian island of Rapa Nui (Easter Island). Five of these species are new to science and apparently endemic to the island: Coecobrya aitorererere n. sp., Cyphoderus manuneru n. sp., Entomobrya manuhoko n. sp., Pseudosinella hahoteana n. sp. and Seira manukio n. sp. The Hawaiian species Lepidocyrtus olena Christiansen & Bellinger and the cosmopolitan species Folsomia candida Willem also were collected from one or more caves. Coecobrya kennethi Jordana & Baquero, recently described from Rapa Nui and identified as endemic, was collected in sympatric association with C. aitorererere n.sp. With the exception of F. candida, all species are endemic to Rapa Nui or greater Polynesia and appear to be restricted to the cave environment on Rapa Nui. A key is provided to separate Collembola species reported from Rapa Nui. We provide recommendations to aid in the conservation and management of these new Collembola, as well as the other presumed cave-restricted arthropods.

Redescriptions of Hypogastruridae and Onychiuridae (Collembola) described by David L. Wray

Species of Hypogastruridae and Onychiuridae described by D. L. Wray were reexamined and redescribed where necessary from type material and other specimens. Mitchellania hermosa is redescribed and transferred to Ceratophysella. Hypogastrura ireneae is redescribed and H. gravesi is validated with additional material. Hypogastrura gami is synonymized with H. humi and H. utahensis is synonymized with H. promatro. A lectotype is designated for Schoettella (Knowltonella) idahoensis. Achorutes magnoliana is confirmed as a synonym of Schoettella glasgowi. Xenylla carolinensis is synonymized with Xenyllodes armatus Axelson (Odontellidae). Onychiurus mai is transferred to the genus Leeonychiurus and becomes L. mai, and O. magninus is transferred to Heteraphorura and becomes H. magnina. Additional details are given for Onychiurus wilchi.

COI haplotype groups in Mesocriconema (Nematoda: Criconematidae) and their morphospecies associations

Without applying an a priori bias for species boundaries, specimen identities in the plant-parasitic nematode genus Mesocriconema were evaluated by examining mitochondrial COI nucleotide sequences, morphology, and biogeography. A total of 242 specimens that morphologically conformed to the genus were individually photographed, measured, and amplified by a PCR primer set to preserve the linkage between specimen morphology and a specific DNA barcode sequence. Specimens were extracted from soil samples representing 45 locations across 23 ecoregions in North America. Dendrograms constructed by neighbor-joining, maximum likelihood, and Bayesian Inference using a 721-bp COI barcode were used to group COI haplotypes. Each tree-building approach resulted in 24 major haplotype groups within the dataset. The distinctiveness of these groups was evaluated by node support, genetic distance, absence of intermediates, and several measures of distinctiveness included in software used for the exploration of species boundaries. Five of the 24 COI haplotype groups corresponded to morphologically characterized, Linnaean species. Morphospecies conforming to M. discus, Discocriconemella inarata, M. rusticum, M. onoense, and M. kirjanovae were represented by groups composed of multiple closely related or identical COI haplotypes. In other cases, morphospecies names could be equally applied to multiple haplotype groups that were genetically distant from each other. Identification based on morphology alone resulted in M. curvatum and M. ornatum species designations applied to seven and three groups, respectively. Morphological characters typically used for species level identification were demonstrably variable within haplotype groups, suggesting caution in assigning species names based on published compendia that solely consider morphological characters. Morphospecies classified as M. xenoplax formed a monophyletic group composed of seven genetically distinct COI subgroups. The species Discocriconemella inarata is transferred to Mesocriconema inaratum based on its phylogenetic position on the COI tree as well as previous phylogenetic analyses using 18S, ITS1, and cytochrome b nucleotide sequences. This study indicates that some of the species considered cosmopolitan in their distribution are actually multispecies polyphyletic groupings and an accurate assessment of Mesocriconema species distributions will benefit from molecular determination of haplotype relationships. The groups revealed by COI analysis should provide a useful framework for the evaluation of additional Mesocriconema species and will improve the reliability of designating taxonomic units in studies of nematode biodiversity. 

Katianna maryae n. sp. (Collembola: Katiannidae), a southern Appalachian species of a Gondwanan genus

Katianna maryae n. sp. is described from turf and grassy fields in eastern Tennessee, USA. This species is the first of its genus to be noted from temperate North America. It is distinguished from other described Katianna spp. by a combination of the following characters: color pattern of body an intricate mosaic of purple-brown, yellow-orange and white; copper-brown median stripe between eye patches; fourth antennal segment annuliform but not subsegmented; region between interantennal and clypeal region devoid of setae, clypeal region with six rows of setae; fore and middle feet with 8 clavate tenent hairs, hind foot with 6; apical filament of unguiculus long on fore and middle tibiotarsi, short on hind tibiotarsus; unguis with intricate multidentate pseudonychia; posterior face of dens with one proximal seta and a pair of subapical setae.

Vittatidera zeaphila (Nematoda: Heteroderidae), a new genus and species of cyst nematode parasitic on corn (Zea mays)

A new genus and species of cyst nematode, Vittatidera zeaphila, is described from Tennessee. The new genus is superficially similar to Cactodera but is distinguished from other cyst-forming taxa in having a persistent lateral field in females and cysts, persistent vulval lips covering a circumfenestrate vulva, and subventral gland nuclei of the female contained in a separate small lobe. Infective juveniles (J2) are distinguished from all previously described Cactodera spp. by the short stylet in the second-stage juvenile (14-17 μm); J2 of Cactodera spp. have stylets at least 18 μm long. The new species also is unusual in that the females produce large egg masses. Known hosts are corn and goosegrass. DNA analysis suggests that Vittatidera forms a separate group apart from other cyst-forming genera within Heteroderinae.

Nematode assemblages in native plant communities of molokai, hawaii

FOUR NATIVE PLANT COMMUNITY TYPES (IN DECREASING ELEVATION: montane bog, rain forest, wet mesic forest, drier forest) on Molokai were sampled for nematodes. Six samples of 10 cores each were gathered from each community. Nematodes were extracted from 200 cm(3) soil by elutriation. All extracted nematodes were counted and identified to species-level taxa. Sixty-seven species were identified among the four plant communities; only eight species occurred in all four communities. Species diversity and evenness were greater in the rain forest and mesic forest than in the bog and the drier forest, but the drier forest and mesic forest had similar species communities. The bog nematode community was not similar to the other three sites. In a presence/absence cluster analysis, all six bog sample assemblages clustered together. The rain forest samples also clustered together but were associated with the mesic forest sample closest to the rain forest edge. Of 11 nematode orders collected, Tylenchida accounted for 40% to 73% of all individuals, followed by Dorylaimida (5% to 17%). Diplogasterida were absent. No plant-parasitic nematodes of known Hawaiian agricultural importance or occurrence were collected in these native plant communities. Calculated nematode densities (76,000 to 321,300/m(2)) were comparable to those reported for some other Pacific tropical forests.

Filenchus flagellicaudatus n. sp. and Lelenchus schmitti n. sp. (Nemata: Tylenchidae) from Molokai, Hawaii

Filenchus flagellicaudatus n. sp. and Lelenchus schmitti n. sp. are described from Pepe'opae bog on Molokai, Hawaii. Filenchus flagellicaudatus n. sp. is distinguished from all other Filenchus spp. by stylet length (10 microm), robust metacorpus, elongated basal bulb, and extraordinarily long, whip-like tail (c = 2.6, c' = 31.8). Lelenchus schmitti n. sp. differs from other Lelenchus spp. by its shorter body length, weak dorso-ventral compression of the head region, and a more posterior vulva (V = 49-52). The spacious amphid pocket is introduced as a useful character for the differentiation of Lelenchus spp. from other Tylenchidae.

Meloidogyne haplanaria n. sp. (Nematoda: Meloidogynidae), a Root-knot Nematode Parasitizing Peanut in Texas

Meloidogyne haplanaria n. sp. is described and illustrated from specimens parasitizing peanut in Texas. The perineal pattern of the female is rounded to oval with a dorsal arch that is high and rounded except for striae near the vulva, which are low with rounded shoulders. The striae are distinctly forked in the lateral field, and punctations often occur as a small group near the tail tip and singly within the whole perineal pattern. The female stylet is 13-16 microm long and has broad, distinctly set-off knobs. The excretory pore opens 40-118 microm from the head, approximately halfway between the anterior end and the metacorpus. Males are 1.2-2.4 microm in length and have a high, wide head cap that slopes posteriorly. The labial disc and medial lips are partially fused to form an elongated lip structure. In some specimens the labial disk is distinctly separated from the lips by a groove. The stylet is 17-22 microm long and has wide knobs that are rounded and distinctly set off from the shaft. Mean second-stage juvenile length is 419 microm. The head region is not annulated, and the large labial disc and crescent-shaped medial lips are fused to form a dumbbell-shaped head cap. The stylet is 9-12 microm long and has rounded, posteriorly sloping knobs. The slender tail, 58-74 microm long, has a distinct, inflated rectum and a slightly rounded tip. The hyaline tail terminus is 11-16 microm long. The isozyme phenotypes for esterase and malic dehydrogenase do not correspond to any other recognized Meloidogyne species. Tomato and peanut are good hosts; corn and wheat are very poor hosts; and cotton, tobacco, pepper, and watermelon are nonhosts.

Host Range and Distribution of the Clover Root-knot Nematode, Meloidogyne trifoliophila

The ability of Meloidogyne trifoliophila to gall 230 species and cultivars of plants was determined in a greenhouse. All clovers (Trifolium spp.) were severely galled regardless of species or cultivar. Most soybean cultivars were moderately to severely galled. Among other legumes, broad bean, garden pea, Korean lespedeza, sweetclover, and common vetch were good hosts, but alfalfa, bird's-foot trefoil, peanut, and pole bean were poor or nonhosts. Among other plant families, most Apiaceae (Umbelliferae) and Brassicaceae (Cruciferae) were galled, but Cucurbitaceae, Iridaceae, Malvaceae, Poaceae, and Solanaceae were rarely or never galled. Results for Amaryllidaceae, Asteraceae, Lamiaceae, and Liliaceae were variable. This nematode was not found in a survey of pasture and soybean fields in southwestern Tennessee.

What Every Author and Reviewer Should Know about the Publication Process in the Journal of Nematology

The Journal of Nematology is a publication of the very highest quality for communicating the most recent discoveries in the science of nematology. The authors of this Viewpoint article desire to maintain the status of the journal while lessening the burden placed on the editorial staff. A few simple steps taken by authors during the manuscript preparation phase can greatly improve the quality of their papers. Authors should carefully review the "Author's Publication Handbook and Style Manual" before and during the preparation of a manuscript intended for publication in the Journal of Nematology. In addition, authors should submit a completed "Author's Checklist for Preparation of Papers" with each manuscript submitted to the journal. Reviewers should provide thorough reviews, return mantlscripts in a timely manner, and clearly define statements regarding revisions.

Meloidogyne trifoliophila n. sp. (Nemata: Meloidogynidae), a Parasite of Clover from Tennessee

Meloidogyne trifoliophila n. sp. is described from white clover collected at Ames Plantation, Fayette County, Tennessee. The perineal pattern is rounded, with long, smooth striae and rounded arch, and without distinct lateral lines or perivulval striae. The female stylet is 12.6-15.5 mum long, the excretory pore is level with or up to one stylet length posterior to the stylet knobs, and the vulva is subterminal. The posterior terminus is weakly protuberant. The male lateral field is composed of approximately eight repeatedly broken or forked incisures. The male stylet is 17.0-18.9 mum long, the stylet knobs are rounded and sloping, gradually merging with the shaft, and the head region consists of one large annule. Second-stage juveniles are 357-400 mum long, with a stylet length of 11.9-13.6 mum and one head annule. The tail tapers to a slender tip. This new species is similar to M. graminicola and M. triticoryzae but differs from them in perineal pattern and lateral field morphology, and numerous morphometric characters.

Occurrence of Pasteuria-like Organisms on Selected Plant-Pamsitic Nematodes of Pineapple in the Hawaiian Islands

Soils from 320 sites representing diverse undisturbed habitats from five Hawaiian Islands were assessed for occurrence of Pasteuria-like organisms. Mean annual rainfall at sites ranged from 125-350 cm, elevation from 69-2,286 m, and annual mean temperature from 12-24 C. Seven different natural communities were represented: wet lowland, mesic lowland, wet montane, mesk montane, dry montane, mesic subalpine, and dry alpine. Pasteuria spp. in a soil sample was detected by baiting with infective stages of Helicotylenchus dihystera, Meloidogyne javanica, Pratylenchus brachyurus, and Rotylenchulus reniformis, followed by cultivation of the nematodes on pineapple plants for 10-11 months. All nematode baits except R. reniformis were readily recovered from the soil samples. A sample was considered Pasteuria-positive if at least 5 % of the nematode specimens showed endospore attachment. Thirteen percent of all samples were positive for Pasteuria-like organisms. The frequencies of association between Pasteuria spp. and Meloidogyne, Helicotylenchus, or Pratylenchus species were 52%, 24%, and 24%, respectively. Positive samples were more prevalent on the older islands of Kauai and Oahu (75%), in lowland communities (61%), and in areas with introduced vegetation (60%). More than 27% of the positive samples were associated with plant species in a few selected families that included Meliaceae and Myrtaceae. Occurrence of Pasteuria spp. seemed to be positively associated with mean annual rainfall or temperature, but negatively associated with elevation.

Description of the Kona Coffee Root-knot Nematode, Meloidogyne konaensis n. sp

Meloidogyne konaensis n. sp. is described from coffee from Kona on the island of Hawaii. The perineal pattern of the female is variable in morphology, the medial lips of the female are divided into distinct lip pairs, and the excretory pore is 2-3 stylet lengths from the base of the stylet. Mean stylet length is 16.0 mum, and the knobs gradually merge with the shaft. The knobs are indented anteriorly and rounded posteriorly and the dorsal esophageal gland orifice (DEGO) is long, 3.5-7 mum. The morphology of the stylet of the male is the most useful diagnostic character, with 6-12 large projections protruding from the shaft. One medial lip may be divided into distinct lip pairs. A large intestinal caecum often extends nearly to the level of the DEGO. Mean juvenile length is 502 mum, mean stylet length is 13.4 mum, and mean tail length is 58 mum. The tail may be distinctly curved ventrally and the phasmids are located in the ventral incisure about one anal body width posterior to the anus.

Association of nematodes and dogwood cankers

Dogwood canker is a serious production problem of unknown etiology. From May 1985 through April 1989, cankers from 290 flowering dogwood trees in 15 separate nurseries were sampled for nematodes. Seventy-three percent (213) of the cankers contained nematodes. Panagrolaimus rigidus (Schneider) Thorne (115/290) and Aphelenchoides spp. (91/290) were the most frequently collected taxa. Panagrolaimus rigidus was reared on 2% water agar with unidentified bacteria as the food source. Aphelenchoides spp. were reared in antibiotic-amended agar culture with the fungus Glomerella cingulata (Stoneman) Spauld. &Schrenk as a food source. Repeated attempts to culture Aphelenchoides spp. on dogwood callus tissue were unsuccessful. Artificially created stem wounds inoculated with combinations of Aphelenchoides spp. and P. rigidus callused completely in 60 days with no indication of canker development. Very low numbers of nematodes were recovered from inoculated trees, but P. rigidus and one Aphelenchoides sp. were efficient dispersers and occurred in treatments other than those in which they were inoculated.

Reproduction of Plant-parasitic Nematodes on Winter Rapeseed (Brassica napus ssp. oleiferas)

The reproduction of isolates of five plant-parasitic nematode species on the winter rapeseed cultivars Bridger, Gorzanski, H-47, Lindora, and Viking was evaluated. Each cultivar was a good host for Helicotylenchus pseudorobustus, Meloidogyne hapla, and M. incognita, All rapeseed cultivars were poor hosts for Pratylenchus scribneri, in comparison with a susceptible reference host. Heterodera glycines females rarely developed on any cultivar, but low numbers of juveniles invaded roots and males occasionally reached maturity.

Trichodorus elefjohnsoni n. sp. (Nemata: Trichodoridae) from Undisturbed Appalachian Forest

A new species of Trichodoridae, Trichodorus elefjohnsoni, is described from undisturbed regions of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, United States. It resembles T. orientalis De Waele &Hashim, 1984, T. persicus De Waele &Sturhan, 1987, and T. taylori De Waele, Mancini, Roca, ' Lamberti, 1982 in arrangement of ventromedian cervical papillae and posterior preanal supplements, but differs by combinations of the following characteristics: body length 516-731 mum; spicule length 33-50 mum, spicules densely striated, constricted medially; vaginal sclerotizations ovate; one pair of lateral body pores near vulva.

Terrestrial nematodes of alaska I. Trichodoridae (nemata)

Four species of Trichodoridae, two of them new and belonging to the T. aequalis complex, are reported from Alaska. Trichodorus carlingi n. sp. differs from all other species of the genus in having conspicuously hamate spicules. Vaginal sclerotizations are trapezoidal to rectangular. Trichodorus paucisetosus n. sp., which resembles T. sparsus Szczygiel, 1968 and T. nanjingensis Liu & Cheng, 1990, has sparsely setose, noncephalated spicules partially striated in one or two zones, oval to round vaginal sclerotizations, sperm in discrete spermathecae, and onchiostyle 57-72 mum long. Trichodorus californicus Alien, 1957 is reported from many sites in Alaska, and T. aequalis Allen, 1957 is reported from one site. Trichodorus californicus was collected almost exclusively from glacial refugial regions north of the Alaska Range.

Development, Distribution, and Host Studies of the Fungus Macrobiotophthoira vermicola (Entomophthorales)

The life cycle and host range of Macrobiotophthora vermicola were studied. Secondary spores produced from forcibly ejected primary spores adhered to the cuticle of Cruznema tripartitum, germinated, and penetrated the cuticle within 30 minutes. New primary spores were produced within 24 hours of initial spore adhesion. In a host range study, species of Rhabditidae, Diplogasteridae, and Aphelenchoidea were hosts, but not species of Bunonematidae, Tripylidae, Cephalobida, or Tylenchina. Numbers of second-stage Meloidogyne incognita juveniles were not decreased when added to soil seeded with infected C. tripartitum. In six Tennessee soybean fields, Macrobiotophthora vermicola was the most commonly encountered nematode-destroying fungus, followed by a sterile, nonseptate fungus and Arthrobotrys conoides. Nematophagous fungi were isolated more frequently from silt loam soils than from clay soils. Addition of C. tripartitum to soil extract plates as a bait nematode did not increase isolations of nematophagous fungi.

Four New Species of Heteroderidae Including Ekphymatodera n. gen. from California

Four new species and a new genus of Heteroderidae from California are described, and their significance for phylogenetic analysis of the family is discussed. The new genus with type species, Ekphymatodera thomasoni n. gen., n. sp., shares many characteristics with Hylonema Luc, Taylor, &Cadet, 1978, but it is distinguished by its much greater vulva-anus distance and unique cuticular pattern. Hypotheses of relationships of Ekphymatodera and Hylonema with Sarisodera Wouts and Sher, 1971 versus Heterodera Schmidt, 1871 are discussed. Verutus californicus n. sp. is larger than the type species, Verutus volvingentis Esser, 1981, differing in females particularly by the greater distance of its excretory pore from the anterior end. Monophyly of Verutus, which may be an outgroup of all other Heteroderidae, is strengthened by description of V. californicus. Atalodera trilineata n. sp. differs from other ataloderines by having second-stage juveniles with three lateral lines and from the type, Atalodera ucri Wouts and Sher, 1971, by the more subtle cuticular pattern of females and longer juveniles with much longer tails. Atalodera festucae n. sp., with four lateral lines in juveniles, has smaller females than A. trilineata and has a protruding dorsal vulval lip. A unique common ancestor for Atalodera-Sherodera-Thecavermiculatus is supported, and monophyly with Thecavermieulatus andinus Golden, Franco, Jatala, &Astocaza, 1973 is considered.

Life cycle of a new species of Blumeriella (Ascomycotina: Dermateaceae), a leaf-spot pathogen of spirea

Cylindrosporium filipendulae Thuem. was isolated from diseased Spiraea ×vanhouttei Zabel in Tennessee. On the basis of acervulus formation and conidial morphology, C. filipendulae is transferred to the genus Phloeosporella. Apothecia observed on overwintered S. ×vanhouttei leaves were determined by cultural methods to be the teleomorph of the Phloeosporella species. Conidia produced in culture by ascospore isolates infected spirea leaves and induced symptoms identical with those caused by the Phloeosporella species. Morphology and development of the teleomorph were compared with those of Blumeriella jaapii (Rehm) v. Arx (= Coccomyces hiemalis Hig.) and found to be quite similar. The new teleomorph is described as a species of Blumeriella.

Parasitism of Woody Ornamentals by Meloidogyne hapla

Meloidogyne hapla is the dominant root-knot nematode found in Tennessee woody ornamental nurseries. In greenhouse tests, M. hapla produced galls and formed egg masses on roots of Abelia x grandiflora, Comus florida, Hydrangea paniculata grandiflora, Photinia x fraseri, Spiraea x bumalda, Spiraea x vanhouttei, and Viburnum carlesii. Galls on H. grandiflora and V. carlesii were mostly large and fusiform. Galls on C. florida were spherical and usually terminal, whereas those on the other species were minute. Lateral roots grew from galls on all susceptible plants. Two Acer spp., two Buxus spp., three llex spp., five Prunus spp., three Rhododendron spp., Euonymus alata, Ligustrum sinense, Magnolia x soulangiana, Nandina domestica, and nine conifer species were nonhosts or very poor hosts.