First report of Meloidogyne graminicola in Italy
The presence of Meloidogyne graminicola is reported for the first time from Italy. This root-knot nematode was found in Piemonte region on rice (Oryza sativa) crops and wild plants (Alisma plantago, Cyperus difformis, Echinochlora crus-galli, Heteranthera reniformis, Murdannia keisak, Panicum dichotomiflorum). M. graminicola was found in rice fields in the municipality of Buronzo (province of Vercelli), and in two other localities, Mottalciata and Gifflenga (province of Biella). The infested area is estimated at approximately 20 ha. The presence of unusual symptoms had initially been reported by a rice grower to the regional Plant Protection Service of Piemonte region. During inspection of rice fields, plants showing symptoms of chlorosis and stunted growth, and numerous swellings and galls on the roots could be observed. In July 2016, the identity of the nematode was confirmed in plant and soil samples using morphological and molecular methods. The origin of this outbreak is unknown. Further surveys will be carried out to determine the extent of this infestation and determine possible control measures (e.g. field submersion, crop rotation and biofumigation).
The pest status of Meloidogyne graminicola in Italy is officially declared as: Present, only in some parts.
EPPO note: M. graminicola is a polyphagous species and is considered to be a pest in rice crops. This is the first time that this species is reported in the EPPO region. A world distribution can be found in the EPPO Global Database: https://gd.eppo.int/taxon/MELGGC/distribution
Sources
NPPO of Italy (2016-09).