First Report of <i>Meloidogyne javanica</i> Infecting Strawberry (<i>Fragaria</i> × <i>ananassa</i>) in the United States

Abstract Strawberry ( Fragaria × ananassa ) is native to temperate regions. However, it has been produced in tropical areas, as a seasonal crop including Florida, USA during the winter months. In March 2022, root galls resembling those induced by root-knot nematodes Meloidogyne spp.) were observed declining strawberry plants ‘Winterstar TM FL 05-107’ growing an organic-certified research site Hillsborough County, USA. To our knowledge, M. hapla only species reported infect Florida. Preliminary molecular analyses, newly synthesized DNA sequences (TW81/AB28 = OQ469833 - OQ469836; D2A/D3B= OQ473043 OQ473047) using extracted nematode females from roots, initially identified RKN javanica . Nematode confirmation was further performed morphology of female perineal patterns and isozyme analysis, mainly esterase (EST) malate dehydrogenase (MDH), sequencing, (NAD5-F/NAD5-R) SCAR primer set (Fjav/Rjav), species-specific for Isozyme EST= J3, which specific MDH=N1, well patterns, agreed with data previously A pathogenicity test on transplants 10,000 eggs original population, (Gall index, GI 4.1) egg masses clearly visible outside producing average 1,344 eggs/gram fresh 9,201 ± 4,206 eggs/root system. No or non-inoculated plants. Tomato ‘HM 1823’ used control viability inoculum showed numerous (GI=5.0;). The obtained NAD5-F/NAD5-R (OQ474970 – OQ474972) compared other available GenBank shown be 100% identical five populations Polk (OM418745 OM418749) complete mitochondrion genome (NC026556). this first report infecting United States.