02755nam a2200193   4500008004100000020001500041022001300056245011200069210006900181300001300250490000700263520215200270100001802422700002002440700002402460700001702484700001402501856004602515       2017                        eng d  a1111111111  a1932620300aIntegrative taxonomy of root-knot nematodes reveals multiple independent origins of mitotic parthenogenesis0 aIntegrative taxonomy of rootknot nematodes reveals multiple inde  ae01721900 v123 aDuring sampling of several Coffea arabica plantations in Tanzania severe root galling, caused by a root-knot nematode was observed. From pure cultures, morphology and mor-phometrics of juveniles and females matched perfectly with Meloidogyne africana, whereas morphology of the males matched identically with those of Meloidogyne decalineata. Based on their Cox1 sequence, however, the recovered juveniles, females and males were con-firmed to belong to the same species, creating a taxonomic conundrum. Adding further to this puzzle, re-examination of M. oteifae type material showed insufficient morphological evi-dence to maintain its status as a separate species. Consequently, M. decalineata and M. otei-fae are synonymized with M. africana, which is herewith redescribed based on results of light and scanning electron microscopy, ribosomal and mitochondrial DNA sequences, isozyme electrophoresis, along with bionomic and cytogenetic features. Multi-gene phylogenetic analy-sis placed M. africana outside of the three major clades, together with M. coffeicola, M. ichino-hei and M. camelliae. This phylogenetic position was confirmed by several morphological features, including cellular structure of the spermatheca, egg mass position, perineal pattern and head shape. Moreover, M. africana was found to be a polyphagous species, demonstrat-ing that " early-branching " Meloidogyne spp. are not as oligophagous as had previously been assumed. Cytogenetic information indicates M. africana (2n = 21) and M. ardenensis (2n = 51–54) to be a triploid mitotic parthenogenetic species, revealing at least four independent ori-gins of mitotic parthenogenesis within the genus Meloidogyne. Furthermore, M. mali (n = 12) was found to reproduce by amphimixis, indicating that amphimictic species with a limited num-ber of chromosomes are widespread in the genus, potentially reflecting the ancestral state of the genus. The wide variation in chromosome numbers and associated changes in reproduc-tion modes indicate that cytogenetic evolution played a crucial role in the speciation of root-knot nematodes and plant-parasitic nematodes in general.1 aJanssen, Toon1 aKarssen, Gerrit1 aTopalović, Olivera1 aCoyne, Danny1 aBert, Wim  uhttps://nematodes.myspecies.info/node/75701966nas a2200265   4500008004100000020001800041022001400059245011400073210006900187300001100256520117700267653002301444653002201467653001401489653001201503653002301515653001201538653000901550653002601559100001901585700001901604700001401623700001701637856004601654       2019                        eng d  a1568541100003  a1388-554500aIntegration of nematology as a training and research discipline in sub-Saharan Africa: progress and prospects0 aIntegration of nematology as a training and research discipline   a1–213 aWithin sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), although nematodes are viewed among the most important threats to crop production and food security, the presence of trained nematologists working within this discipline has traditionally been viewed as scarce. The few research studies concerning this subject address this topic from a country or sub-regional perspective and generally portray nematology as ‘insufficient'. Over the past two decades, a few initiatives have been instrumental in building greater nematology expertise. For the first time a structured survey was undertaken, involving interviews with individuals from SSA that were (or currently are) involved in nematology training programmes, research, national extension services or in African universities. This paper provides evidence of the positive impact of various initiatives and shows an increase in the number of available nematology positions, together with high rates of graduates that return home to occupy qualified positions. Our findings will help researchers, policy makers and donors to identify areas requiring support to increase the promotion of nematology in SSA and to make an impact for end-users.10aacademic curricula10acapacity building10aeducation10aeumaine10aextension services10aimanema10apinc10atertiary institutions1 aCortada, Laura1 aDehennin, Inge1 aBert, Wim1 aCoyne, Danny  uhttps://nematodes.myspecies.info/node/778