Termites play a fundamental role in ecosystems as decomposers, but many species are also major agricultural pests. Among them, Cornitermes cumulans, a mound-building termite widely distributed in South America, causes significant damage to sugarcane, pastures and forest plantations. Current management relies heavily on chemical insecticides, which are often ineffective against mound-forming species and raise environmental and health concerns. Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPN) represent a promising biological alternative. This study reports, for the first time, the presence of Oscheius myriophilus in Brazil and Colombia, and evaluates its pathogenic potential against C. cumulans. Molecular characterisation based on the D2-D3 expansion segment of 28S rRNA gene confirmed identity with reference sequences of O. myriophilus from the USA, Puerto Rico and Iran. Four South American EPN populations, one from Colombia and three from Brazil, were identified as O. myriophilus. Additionally, the first COI sequences of this species were generated, and pathogenicity assays under laboratory conditions were carried out to study impact of O. myriophilus on the mortality of both soldiers and workers of C. cumulans. While mortality rates were slightly lower than those caused by Steinernema and Heterorhabditis species, O. myriophilus still exhibited strong entomopathogenic potential.
The environment is affected significantly by the widespread use of chemical pesticides, which harm and pollute the ecosystem. To address this issue, this study aimed to evaluate the biocontrol potential of Trichoderma harzianum culture filtrates and soil solarisation against Meloidogyne incognita on tomato plants (‘Maysaloun F1’). Three isolates of T. harzianum were isolated from Iraqi soil, molecularly identified, and deposited in the National Centre for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) under the following accession numbers PQ069302, PQ069303 and PQ069304. These three isolates were evaluated for their activity against eggs and second-stage juveniles; however, the isolate T. harzianum Kh.3.IRAQ showed the most effective hatch inhibition and juvenile mortality with values of 88.0, 82.3 and 81.3% hatch inhibition after 1, 3 and 6 days of treatment and 21.7, 37.3 and 78.3% juvenile mortality after 1, 2 and 3 days of exposure. Therefore, it was selected for evaluation of its activity against root-knot nematodes, along with soil solarisation in an open field infested with root-knot nematodes. The combined treatment of T. harzianum culture filtrates (2.5 ml (plant)–1) and solar sterilisation with transparent polyethylene sheets showed the highest reduction in the gall index and the reproduction factor of nematodes, as well as the highest rate of increased in plant growth parameters and productivity, which reached 0.3 for gall index, 0.3 for egg masses, 144.0 for final population, and 0.3 for reproductive factor, in addition to 5.3 for plant yield (kg), 18.7 for root fresh weight (g), 3.9 for root dry weight (g), 39.7 for root length (cm), 74.0 for productivity (tons ha–1), 102.1 for shoot fresh weight (g), 26.3 for shoot dry weight (g), and 109.3 for plant height (cm) compared with other treatments and the non-treated control. This study recommends combining soil solarisation with biological control, as it has a dual impact on root-knot nematodes, while also enhancing plant growth and increasing productivity. This method is harmless to the environment and beneficial organisms, unlike chemical pesticides, which contaminate the environment and harm non-target organisms
Fundamentals of Plant-Parasitic Nematode Diagnostics, Systematics, and Classification by Victor Phani and Pablo Castillo is a comprehensive resource on the taxonomy, systematics, diagnostics, and classification of plant-parasitic nematodes. The book successfully integrates traditional taxonomic principles with modern molecular and diagnostic approaches, providing a clear overview of the concepts and methods that underpin contemporary nematode systematics. Organized into seven chapters, it covers nematode biology, taxonomic theory, character analysis, identification methods, molecular phylogeny, classification systems, and taxonomic data management. A major strength is its balanced treatment of classical morphology and modern molecular techniques, along with its detailed review of historical and current classification schemes. The book is praised for its logical organization, practical applications, and strong theoretical foundation, making it an excellent reference and educational resource for students, researchers, and professionals interested in the diversity, evolution, and classification of plant-parasitic nematodes.
Dr. Sergei Eduardovich Spiridonov celebrates his 70th birthday on 18 July 2026. Since graduating from Moscow University in 1978, he has devoted his career to the A.N. Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution of the Russian Academy of Sciences, becoming a leading expert in the systematics, evolution, and ecology of parasitic nematodes. Over nearly five decades, he has described numerous new taxa, published more than 100 scientific papers, authored major monographs, and conducted research and teaching worldwide. He is a founder and former president of the Russian Society of Nematologists, a Chief Editor of the Russian Journal of Nematology, and recipient of the E.N. Pavlovskyi Prize. Currently, as Head of the Laboratory of Systematics and Evolution of Parasites, Dr. Spiridonov continues to lead research, mentor students, and advance the field of parasitology. Colleagues warmly congratulate him on his anniversary, wishing him happiness, and productivity.
Plant Nematology (3rd Edition, 2024), edited by Roland N. Perry, Maurice Moens, and John T. Jones, remains a leading textbook and reference in plant nematology. Widely used for graduate teaching and student learning, the book provides comprehensive coverage of nematode biology, ecology, and management, supported by extensive citations, illustrations, and practical information. The third edition includes significant updates, such as new authors, a new editor, an added chapter on nematode ecology, online supplementary materials, and numerous high-quality color images and diagrams. These enhancements improve both learning and teaching. Student feedback highlights the book’s clear explanations and strong foundational coverage. Overall, the reviewer considers the 3rd edition an invaluable and updated resource that continues the excellence of earlier editions.
Between 2018 and 2025, nematological surveys conducted across several Mexican states resulted in the collection and characterisation of two new species, Hoplolaimus texcocoensis sp. n. and Scutellonema montecilloensis sp. n. as well as four known species, Helicotylenchus dihystera, Hoplolaimus seinhorsti, S. brachyurus, and S. bradys, five unidentified species of Helicotylenchus, and three unidentified species of Rotylenchus. In this study, species delimitation within the Hoplolaimidae was based on an integrative taxonomic approach combining traditional morphological characters with molecular criteria. The hoplolaimid taxa were characterised molecularly, and their phylogenetic relationships with other representatives of the group were reconstructed using sequences from the D2-D3 expansion segments of 28S rRNA, the ITS rRNA region, and the mitochondrial COI gene. In total, 23 new 28S rRNA, 5 new ITS rRNA, and 13 new COI gene sequences were generated in this study. Mexican populations of Helicotylenchus and nematodes identified as Rotylenchus, formed distinct molecular lineages, suggesting possible endemism. These findings support the hypothesis that valleys surrounded by the ridges of the Sierra Madre mountain ranges in Mexico may represent one of the global centers of diversity for hoplolaimid nematodes.
The sunn pest, Eurygaster integriceps, is a major threat to wheat production. Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPN) are used as biocontrol agents against many pests in the world. This study evaluated the efficacy of three Turkish EPN isolates, Steinernema carpocapsae, S. feltiae and Heterorhabditis bacteriophora, against E. integriceps under laboratory and field conditions. In laboratory trials, adults were exposed to three nematode concentrations (25, 125 and 200 IJ cm⁻²) at 12 and 15°C. Steinernema carpocapsae achieved the highest mortality (70-75%) at 200 IJ cm⁻², while S. feltiae and H. bacteriophora yielded 50-55% and 45-60% mortality, respectively. By contrast, efficacy significantly declined under field conditions in overwintering areas, where mortality ranged from only 6.25% to 15% in plastic containers. In plot trials, S. carpocapsae reached only 16% efficacy. Overall, S. carpocapsae showed the highest laboratory efficacy, but its performance declined under low-temperature field conditions. Therefore, its biocontrol potential should be further evaluated in overwintering areas with diverse vegetation and temperature regimes
Predatory and omnivorous nematodes are known as potential biological control agents for root-knot nematodes (RKN). However, it is still unclear whether free-living nematodes (FLN) communities, including microbial-feeding nematodes, contribute to RKN suppression. To evaluate their contribution, a pot experiment was conducted using soils containing either 1) microbes or 2) microbes and FLN. After six weeks of green pepper growth, we analysed the level of Meloidogyne incognita infection and the bacterial community with next-generation sequencing (NOS). The same analysis was conducted after an additional 1-month incubation. Meloidogyne incognita densities were significantly lower in soils with FLN than in those with microbes only. Moreover, M. incognita multiplication was suppressed even in the absence of predators and omnivores, highlighting the importance of microbial-feeding nematodes. NOS results showed that some bacterial genera had a significant negative correlation with M. incognita density, suggesting that bacterivores altered bacterial communities to promote microbial suppression of M. incognita.
. Fig is a good host of the nematode Xiphinema index and plants derived from rooted fig cuttings are usually used for rearing the nematode in the laboratory and for experiments. Seeds, of dried edible fig fruits, were germinated in wet sandy substrate and after 1 month, the seedlings were transplanted in 250 cm3 pots or 100 cm3 plastic cups, filled with the same substrate. Cups were arranged in a container support frame (seedling tray) with 35 wells and suspended in a plastic tray holder 50 & times; 37 cm. The seedlings in 250 cm3 pots were inoculatedwith a geometric sequence of six initial nematode densities (0.28-8.96 nematodes (cm substrate)-3, 45 days later. Similarly, the seedlings grown in 100 cm3 plastic cups, were inoculated with a geometric progression of six initial nematode densities (0.5-1.6 nematodes (cm substrate)-3 after 30 days. Seed germination and plant growth was in a controlled temperature room at 23-25 & ring;C and 16-h photoperiod and the plants grew for 2.5 months after nematode inoculation. Despite the total lack of natural light, the seedlings developed very well in the controlled environment. With initial nematode densities of 0.56 nematodes (cm sand)-3 in pots and 0.5-1 nematodes (cm sand)-3 in plastic cups, the highest reproduction factor values were ca 55 and 25, respectively. The plant growth in plastic cups was not affected by the nematodes at these initial inoculation densities. This method of growing seedlings of fig in 100 cm3 plastic cups is convenient for short term duration (2-2.5 months) experiments in controlled conditions as a relatively small area (0.185 m2) is required for 35 plants.
Professor Robert T. Robbins, a distinguished nematologist and longtime Editorial Board Member of the Russian Journal of Nematology passed away at age 84. Born in Kansas, he overcame childhood polio and developed a strong work ethic, excelling academically and athletically before earning degrees from Kansas State University and a Ph.D. in Nematology from North Carolina State University. He began his professional career with the California Department of Food and Agriculture and later spent four decades at the University of Arkansas as a leading researcher, teacher, and mentor. Renowned for his expertise in nematode taxonomy and biology, particularly Longidoridae and plant-parasitic nematodes affecting soybean, he authored over 150 scientific papers and described numerous new species and genera. Professor Robbins was internationally respected, collaborating widely and receiving many honors, including being named a Fellow of the Society of Nematologists in 2006. Retiring in 2019 as Professor Emeritus, he regarded his students and their success as his greatest legacy. Professor Robbins also maintained close and fruitful collaborations with Russian nematologists. His support and guidance were instrumental in the establishment of the Russian Journal of Nematology, where he served as a dedicated Editorial Board Member since its inception. The Russian Society of Nematologists and the editors of the Russian Journal of Nematology express their deepest condolences to his beloved wife, Carolyn Robbins, and his son. Professor Robbins will be remembered not only for his scientific achievements but also for his kindness, mentorship, and lifelong dedication to advancing the science of Nematology.
. A new species of cyst nematode of the genus Heterodera belonging to the Humuli group is described from rhizosphere soil and roots of the breadnut tree, Brosimum alicastrum (family Moraceae) in a tropical forest in La Mancha of Veracruz State, Mexico. The breadnut cyst nematode, Heterodera tropica sp. n. is characterised by small ambifenestral cysts without bullae and a weak underbridge. Second-stage juveniles have well-developed stylet 20-24 mu m long, conical tail, 32-56 mu m long with hyaline region, 17-28 mu m. Phylogenetic relationships of H. tropica sp. n. with other species of the Humuli group were reconstructed using the D2-D3 expansion segments of 28S rRNA, ITS rRNA and COI gene sequences. The new species is morphologically and molecularly similar to the fig cyst nematode, H. fici and these two cyst nematodes are shown to be sister species in phylogenetic trees reconstructed using the ITS rRNA and COI gene sequences. With the description of the breadnut cyst nematode, together with H. humuli and H. fici, the number of species of Humuli group reported in North America increased to three.
The genus Rubzovinema includes nematodes parasitising fleas. During nematological surveys in the Tuva mountain plague focus of the Russian Federation, entomoparasitic nematodes of the genus Rubzovinema were discovered in the fleas Citellophilus tesquorum and Frontopsylla elatoides. Morphological and molecular characteristics of the identified nematodes were described. Phylogenetic relationships of the Tuva nematode population with other representatives of the suborder Hexatylina were inferred from analysis of internal transcribed spacer region of ribosomal RNA genes. The sampled nematodes clustered with Rubzovinema sp. from the Volga-Ural steppe focus, showing 92.84-97.23% similarity in the ITS region.
A new genus and species, Monteironema caresi gen. n., sp. n., was recovered from chlorotic to necrotic angular spots on Ipomoea spp. collected in Vi & ccedil;osa, Minas Gerais, Brazil. The new species is characterised by three adult forms: semi-obese female, immature female, and male with small body (0.40.9 mm), mature adults have lip region offset and narrower than the body. The stylet is short (7.7-10.2 mu m), robust, with rounded knobs and a sclerotised conus. The pharynx includes a muscular median bulb and nonencaged glands overlapping dorsally. Excretory pore posterior to nerve ring. The female gonad is monoprodelphic with a quadricolumellar uterus, short post-uterine sac (0.5x vulva body width), conoid tail with a dorsal appendage. Males have arcuate spicules and a simple gubernaculum. Phylogenetic analyses based on SSU, ITS, and LSU rDNA confirm M. caresi gen. n., sp. n. as a well-supported, independent lineage within Anguinidae, justifying its designation as a new genus and species.
. The new isolate 'Orenburg' of the entomopathogenic nematode Steinernema kraussei (Steiner, 1923) Travassos, 1927 was obtained from the soil in the relict pine forest in the steppe area of the Buzuluk forest, Russia using the Galleria-baiting technique. Morphological studies revealed no significant differences from other known isolates of the species. However, the ITS rDNA region-based analyses (MP, NJ, and ML) placed the new strain in the small clade of isolates found in China and Italy, distant from all other strains.
Abstracts of the 16th Symposium of the Russian Society of Nematologists cover wide range of fundamental and applied nematological studies. These studies address nematode taxonomy, morphology and phylogeny, marine, freshwater and soil nematode biodiversity, deep-sea parasitism, and nematode–fungus–insect symbioses. Strong emphasis is placed on plant-parasitic and forest-pathogenic nematodes, including risks of pine wilt disease, vector relationships with bark beetles, host susceptibility of trees and crops, resistance screening, and nematicide application. Several works highlight invasive species impacts, soil ecosystem responses, and methodological advances in microbiome analysis. Overall, the symposium reflects active research on nematode ecology, evolution, and their significance for agriculture, forestry, and environmental monitoring.
. Studies of the female reproductive system of Sphaerolaimus callisto (Monhysterida, Sphaerolaimidae) revealed the presence of mature spermatozoa, whose ultrastructure was examined to discuss sperm patterns and diversity within the family Sphaerolaimidae. Two types of spermatozoa, clearly distinguished by density of their cytoplasm, were observed. The spermatozoa with dense cytoplasm exhibit a bipolar structure, consisting of an anterior pseudopodium and posterior main cell body. The main cell body contains a nucleus lacking a nuclear envelope, a cluster of electron-dense granules near the nucleus, mitochondria and membranous organelles (MO). Large spherical MO with dense content and empty MO attached to the sperm outer membrane and open to the exterior via pores were detected. The spermatozoa with transparent cytoplasm have the same structural characteristics. Observations of the mature spermatozoa of S. callisto confirm that the sperm in the suborder Monhysterina match the rhabditid pattern of spermatogenesis characteristic of the order Rhabditida. However, the spermatozoa of S. & scy;allisto have distinctly smaller size than it is usual for nematodes and may be referred to microspermatozoa.
The & Ccedil;ukurova region of T & uuml;rkiye is one of the major centres of melon and watermelon negatively affect production. The study, conducted between 2017 and 2020, found that 43.6% and 37.3% of melon and watermelon fields in Adana and 57.1% and 54.1% in Mersin, respectively, were infected with RKN. A total of 92 Meloidogyne populations were identified by PCR and PAGE techniques. The species Meloidogyne javanica and Meloidogyne incognita were identified. The dominant species was M. javanica (82.8%) in Adana and M. incognita (71.4%) in Mersin. In race analyses, M. javanica (68.9%) and M. incognita (100%) were identified as race 1. This is the first study to determine the species and races of RKN in melon and watermelon fields in T & uuml;rkiye.
A spiral nematode survey was conducted in pineapple crops in the Valle del Cauca state, Colombia. Thirteen spiral nematode populations of Helicotylenchus genus, associated with the rhizosphere and roots of pineappple, were identified based on morphological, morphometric with measurements of characters having diagnostic values and molecular sequencing of the D2-D3 segments of 28S and ITS region of rRNA genes. For all studied populations, the morphological and morphometric characters matched those of the type and reference populations of Helicotylenchus dihystera. The morphological identification of these populations was confirmed by analysis of the D2-D3 of 28S and ITS of rRNA gene sequences, which showed a high similarity in 98.8 and 100%, with reference sequences of H. dihystera. This is the first report of H. dihystera identification in pineapple crops of Colombia obtained through integrative taxonomy.
. Root-knot nematodes (RKN), Meloidogyne spp., are among the most dangerous plant pests due to their widespread distribution in all agricultural soils, high reproductive capacity, wide host range, and interaction with other pathogens. Therefore, several strategies have been used to control them, including biological control using entomopathogenic nematodes (EPN) in their integrated management. This study aimed to isolate entomopathogenic nematodes from the local environment and diagnose them based on their molecular characteristics. The isolation and molecular diagnosis results showed the presence of Heterorhabditis indica, which was isolated from the soil surrounding the roots of date palm trees. The nucleotide sequences were deposited at the GenBank under the accession number PP049246. The results of applying eggplant roots to an aqueous suspension containing different concentrations of the infective stage juveniles (IJ) of entomopathogenic nematodes (1,000, 1,500 and 2,000 IJ) 3 days before infection with root-knot nematodes (1,000 eggs plant-1) showed its efficiency in inducing systemic resistance in the plant by increasing the concentration of peroxidase enzyme, which was reflected in reducing gall index and increasing some growth parameters compared to the post-infection treatment and the control treatment. This research paper is the first study conducted in Iraq that has used H. indica as a biological control agent for Meloidogyne spp. This study opens up the possibility for future research on the significance of EPN and their symbiotic bacteria in integrated management strategies for plant-parasitic nematodes. melongena.
The crown rot fungus Fusarium culmorum and the root-lesion nematode Pratylenchus thornei are soil-borne plant pathogens and cause significant damage to global cereal production, including wheat. The presence of both pathogens in cereal fields raises difficulties in breeding programs to find cultivars resistant to both pathogens that can be implemented. Two consecutive years of wheat trials were conducted to observe the relationship between F. culmorum and P. thornei. The simultaneous inoculation of F. culmorum and the nematode resulted in a significant decrease in plant height, root length and root weight of wheat cultivars used ('OPATA', 'GS50a', 'Bezostaja' and 'Seri'). The damage of co-inoculated plants was additive, but no synergism of the infections was ascertained. These findings show potential for enhancing resistance to nematode-fungus interactions in wheat, thereby contributing to plant protection.
