An integrative approach to the study of Helicotylenchus (Nematoda: Hoplolaimidae) Colombian and Brazilian populations associated with Musa crops

Abstract

In total, 10 populations of Helicotylenchus associated with Musa spp., six from Colombia, and four from Brazil were identified to the species level. Morphological and morphometric data were recorded for each population, performed a principal components analysis (PCA), a conglomerate, along with consensus sequences of D2 to D3 expansion segment of the large subunit of ribosomal DNA (28S) for different populations. Identify of species were performed using the basic local alignment search tool (BLAST), and the evolutionary relationships of species were explored using a phylogeny study. Four species of Helicotylenchus were identified based on morphological and morphometric data: H. multicinctus, H. dihystera, H. erythrinae, and H. californicus. PCA and conglomerate analysis clearly separated these species. BLAST and phylogenetic analysis confirmed the presence of these species associated with Musa spp. crops. This is the first report of these species in Colombia through integrative taxonomy.