Detection and molecular characterization of the northern root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne hapla, infesting a tree tomato field in Ecuador

Abstract

Meloidogyne hapla was detected for the sixth time in Ecuador; however this species was recorded for the first time infesting a tree tomato (Solanum betaceum Cav.) crop in this country. It represents the first record for this species in the Tungurahua province, Ecuador. These results confirm a wider geographical distribution pattern of this species in Ecuador and a wide range of host species. The identification was based on the morphology of female perineal pattern and molecular data. Contrasting morphological hypotheses with molecular data provided rapid and accurate identification of M. hapla.