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

Authors

Ernest C. Bernard, University of Tennessee - KnoxvilleFollow
Zafar A. Handoo, USDA-ARSFollow
Thomas O. Powers, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Patricia A. Donald, USDA-ARSFollow
Robert D. Heinz, University of MissouriFollow

Date of this Version

6-2010

Citation

Journal of Nematology 42(2):139–150. 2010.

Comments

Copyright 2010 the Society of Nematologists.

Abstract

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 mm); J2 of Cactodera spp. have stylets at least 18 mm 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.