First report of Meloidogyne mali in the USA
In April 2016, Meloidogyne mali (EPPO Alert List) was detected for the first time in the USA. This is also the first record for North America. The nematode was identified in a root sample which had been collected from a declining hedge of Euonymus kiautschovicus (Celestraceae) growing in a private garden in Harrison, New York state. Laboratory studies (morphology, PCR, sequencing) confirmed the identity of the nematode. The origin of this infestation is not known, but as is the case in Europe, it is hypothesized that the nematode might have been introduced with elm planting material within the framework of breeding programmes against Dutch elm disease. It is noted that delimiting surveys are necessary to determine the current distribution of M. mali, to trace back the possible origin of its introduction into North America, and to determine its potential economic impact.
The situation of Meloidogyne mali in the USA can be described as: Present, detected in a root sample of Euonymus kiautschovicus collected from New York state.
Sources
Eisenback JD, Graney LS, Vieira P (2017) First report of the apple root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne mali) in North America, found parasitizing Euonymus in New York. Plant Disease 101(3), p 510.