Characterisation of Paratylenchus cacao n. sp. from Ghana, and P. enigmaticus (Nematoda: Paratylenchinae) from Belgium

Paratylenchus cacao n. sp., a pin nematode associated with cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) from Ghana, is described herein based on morphology, morphometrics and phylogenetic relationships with other species. Morphologically, P. cacao n. sp. is characterised by a female body length of 174-265 μm, body assuming a ‘C’ or ‘J’ shape after heat relaxation, a flat head, slightly set off lip region, a truncated anterior end, a rigid stylet of 24-31 μm, four lateral lines, vulval region with distinct vulval flaps, and a finely rounded tail with a mucron-like terminus. The findings of the phylogenetic analyses utilising the D2-D3 expansion segments of 28S, ITS of rDNA, and COI of mitochondrial DNA sequences indicate that P. cacao n. sp. is a species closely related to P. leptos. Additionally, based on butterhead lettuce and leek populations from Belgium, the first description of a male, SEM pictures and COI sequences of P. enigmaticus are presented. Both studies exemplify how even potentially important plant-parasitic nematode species can remain unnoticed for a long time. This suggests the need to conduct more nematode diversity studies and underscores the significance of correct nematode identification through the utilisation of tools such as integrative taxonomy.