First report of Meloidogyne partityla parasitizing pecan in Arkansas and confirmation of Quercus stellate as a host

Pecan (Carya illinoinensis) is a valuable tree-nut and lumber crop in the USA. Pecan orchards of Georgia, New Mexico, Florida, Texas, Arizona, and Oklahoma have been reported to be infested by the root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne partityla. A survey was conducted from several pecan orchards in Arkansas to look for M. partityla. Soil and root samples were collected from one established pecan orchard in each of six different counties in the state. Pecan roots showing galling, and second-stage juveniles (J2) of a Meloidogyne species were detected in a Logan County orchard. Molecular and morphometric studies using both J2 and females confirmed the presence of M. partityla. This is the first report of M. partityla in Arkansas. Additionally, greenhouse studies with Quercus stellate confirmed post oak as a suitable host of M. partityla.