Summarized distribution of the southern root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita, in field crops in the United States

Abstract

The southern root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita is one the most important, yield-limiting pathogens of agronomic and vegetable crops in the United States and worldwide. M. incognita was first reported on cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) in Alabama in the United States in 1889. Since then, M. incognita has been reported in many states across the United States. These reports include detections in greenhouses, nurseries, or home gardens, but do not provide information on where this species persists from year to year in field soils. Furthermore, these reports do not provide distribution information within each state in individual counties. The objective of this report was to summarize the distribution of M. incognita on field crops (e.g., agronomic and vegetable crops) by county for each state across the continental United States.