Integrative taxonomy and mitogenome characterization of the root-knot nematode Meloidogyne silvestris

Abstract

Root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) are among the most damaging plant-parasitic nematodes, yet taxonomic uncertainties often complicate diagnostics and management. Here, we examined Meloidogyne silvestris populations from the Netherlands using an integrative approach combining morphology, isoenzyme profiles, and molecular markers. Morphological and morphometric traits, together with isozyme profiles, were highly consistent between the two Dutch populations and were complemented by near-identical 18S and 28S rDNA sequences, identical cox1 and cox2 barcodes, and a conserved mitochondrial genome architecture. In comparison with the original species description, these data support their identification as M. silvestris. We also present a nearly complete mitochondrial genome of M. silvestris, which expands genomic resources for root-knot nematodes. These findings highlight the value of integrative datasets for robust species delimitation and provide a framework for future studies on population structure, evolutionary dynamics, and diagnostic marker development within the genus.