The root-knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita infects passion fruit in the USA

Abstract

Passion fruit (Passiflora edulis) is one of the tropical fruits well-adapted to Florida’s hot and humid climate. A high population of root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita was identified morphologically from soil samples taken from declined passion fruit vines in an organic field in North Florida. Species identification was also confirmed based on DNA-based diagnostics using species-specific primers and sequencing based on D2-D3 of 28 S and ITS of ribosomal DNA. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of infection of purple passion fruit with M. incognita in Florida, USA.