Host Affinity of Nematode Species of the Genus Aphelenchoides

Y. S. Rathor, S. N. Tiwari

Abstract: Aphelenchoides are commonly known as foliar nematodes. Information on host diversity and host taxonomic affiliation revealed that out of 23 nematode species11were monophagous, and of these 70 % species preferred dicotyledons. All the monophagous species had GAI value of 1.000. Polyphagous species were species specific. However, generalized picture revealed that 69.71, 14.86 and 15.43 % plant species were accepted as host from dicotyledons, monocotyledons and others (non-angiosperms), respectively. A. cibolensis was exclusively feeding on non-angiosperms (ferns, junipers, pines). A fragariae showed greater affiliation to dicot-herbaceae and indicated 3 possible evolutionary lineages which contributed host taxonomic affinity in the range of 70 to 86 %.

Keywords: Aphelenchoides, Nematodes, Host Range, Host Taxonomic Affinity