Characterisation of root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne spp.) and frequency of nematodes associated with artichoke crops in the “Irrigación Majes”, Arequipa, Peru

Root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne ssp.) are one of the most damaging phytoparasites in various agricultural crops along the southern coast of Peru. The aim of the present study was to characterise the root-knot nematode and determine the frequency of the nematodes associated with artichoke crop in the “Irrigación Majes”. Samples of roots and soil were collected in artichoke crops. The nematode genera associated with the crops were determined and quantified by morphological characteristics. Meloidogyne spp. populations extracted from the roots were characterised using esterase phenotypes (Est). Seven phytoparasitic nematode genera were found in the soil samples: Meloidogyne, Helicotylenchus, Mesocriconema, Aphelenchus, Tylenchorrynchus, Pratylenchus, Hemicyclophora and free-living nematodes. In the roots sampled, 32 populations of Meloidogyne spp. were found, distributed into four species: (1) M. hapla Est H2, Rm: 0.92, 1.18, with 47.37% frequency in the samples; (2) two phenotypes for M. incognita Est I1, Rm: 1.0 (47.37%), Est I2, Rm: 1.03, 1.08 (31.58%); (3) one phenotype for M. arenaria Est A1 Rm: 1.19 (21.05%); and an atypical species named Meloidogyne sp. Rm: 0.84 (21.05%).