Molecular variability of the root-lesion nematode, Pratylenchus loosi (Nematoda: Pratylenchidae), from tea in Iran

During a nematode survey in Iran a population of Pratylenchus loosi from tea was collected and herein described using morphometrics and several molecular markers and compared with the previous description of this species. Thus, the 18S rRNA gene, D2-D3 expansion regions of the 28S rRNA gene, ITS region, mitochondrial COI and partial nuclear hsp90 gene were amplified. According to morphometrics, the Iranian population was very close to previously described populations except for the stylet which was slightly longer. The phylogenetic reconstruction based on the sequences of all markers are also provided confirming the species differentiation and displaying the position of P. loosi and its relationship with closely related species.