Molecular and morphological characterisation of Ektaphelenchoides kelardashtensis sp n. (Nematoda: Ektaphelenchinae) from northern Iran

摘要

Ektaphelenchoides kelardashtensis sp. n. recovered from bark samples of an unidentified tree in Mazandaran province is described and illustrated based on morphological and molecular characters. The new species is characterised by its body length of 433-577 mu m in the females, a slightly off-set head, no apparent lateral field, total stylet length of 13-16 mu m, excretory pore at 55-66 mu m and hemizonid at 6778 mu m from anterior end, and rare males. The new species comes close in morphology and morphometrics to three known species of the genus, namely E. attenuata, E. musae and E. sylvestris mostly by having a long and filiform tail (posterior body). Based on molecular data (the results of the phylogenetic comparisons), it shows more similarity to E. hunti. Compared with E. attenuata, the new species has shorter body, stylet and post-uterine sac and differences in the shape of the male tail and spicules. Compared with E. musae, the new species can be separated by its shorter body, stylet and post-uterine sac, greater index a, more anteriorly located excretory pore and hemizonid and the presence of males. Compared with E. sylvestris, the new species has a shorter stylet, greater index a, more anteriorly located vulva, hemizonid and excretory pore, difference in shape of posterior body and the presence of males. Compared with E. hunti, it has a shorter body, stylet and post-uterine sac, more anteriorly located excretory pore and hemizonid and a different shape of the posterior end. Molecular analyses were performed based on 743 bp partial ribosomal DNA large subunit D2-D3 and showed E. kelardashtensis sp. n. to be unique, but closest to E. hunti.