Biochemical and molecular methods of identifying meloidogyne species: symposium introduction.

Root-knot nematodes belonging to the genus Meloidogyne are the most economically important group of plant-parasitic nematodes. Thei r worldwide distribution, extensive host ranges, and interaction with other plant pathogens in diseas e complexes rank them among the top plant pathogens affecting the world's food supply (5). Even though only four Meloidogyne species M. incognita, M. javanica, M. arenaria, and M. hapla--account for approximately 95% of all root-knot nematode infestations of agricultural land (6), accurate identification of these species based on morphology is not a simple task. Unfortunately, however, precise identification is required to effectively implement nonchemical management strategies. Our inability to readily identify Meloidogyne species is a major obstacle to the application of such strategies