Short communication. Identification of the Poncirus biotype of Tylenchulus semipenetrans in Valencia, Spain



C. Murguía1*, P. Abad2, C. Jordá2 and A. Bello3
1 Departamento de Sanidad Vegetal. Universidad Nacional de Piura. Urb. Miraflores, s/n. Castilla (Piura). Perú
2 Departamento de Sistemas Agroforestales. Universidad Politécnica de Valencia. Spain
3 Departamento de Agroecología. Centro de Ciencias Medioambientales. CSIC. Madrid. Spain

Abstract


High population densities of Tylenchulus semipenetrans Cobb were detected on mature Poncirus trifoliate (L.) Raf. rootstocks in a commercial citrus orchard in Rafelguaraf, Valencia, Spain. Until now, this rootstock was considered resistant to populations of T. semipenetrans. The biotype of the nematode was characterised according to its host range. Under greenhouse conditions, it proved to be very capable of reproduction on the Bennecke and Rubidoux cultivars of P. trifoliate and on rough lemon (Citrus jambhiri Lush) at seven months post-infestation. It was also able to infest grapevine 141-R (Vitis berlandieri x V. rupestris), but not cv. Arbequina olive (Olea europaea L.). These results suggest this Valencia population of T. semipenetrans behaves similarly to the Poncirus biotype.

Additional key words: citrus nematode, citrus rootstocks, differential host test.