New data on known species of Hirschmanniella and Pratylenchus (Rhabditida, Pratylenchidae) from Iran and South Africa

Hirschmanniella anchoryzae from Iran and Pratylenchus hippeastri from South Africa were recovered during a survey of plant-parasitic nematodes belonging to the family Pratylenchidae. Both species were studied using morphological and molecular techniques. Hirschmanniella anchoryzae is identified based on the flattened head, short stylet (19–22 µm), excretory pore position (anterior to pharyngo-intestinal junction), spicule length (27–30 µm), and existence of an axial mucro at the tail end. Phylogenetic analysis using 28S rDNA showed monophyly of Hirschmanniella which Iranian H. anchoryzae placed close to H. halophila (EU620464; EU620465). This result was supported by the principal component analysis of Hirschmanniella species. SEM observation of the South African population of P. hippeastri showed the presence of two annuli in the lip region. Morphometric characters resembled those of specimens earlier reported from South Africa. Hierarchal cluster using morphometrical criteria showed that the Floridian (USA) and South African populations form a group. However, the principal component analysis showed variation within this species. The molecular study of P. hippeastri populations using 18S, ITS, 28S rDNA, and COI of mtDNA showed that all P. hippeastri cluster in one group and confirmed the identification of the species using both morphological and molecular techniques. In addition, the results indicated that South African populations group close to the USA populations. Illustrations of both species including light and scanning electron microscopy observations for P. hippeastri are provided.