Molecular and morphological characterization of stunt nematodes of wheat,maize, and rice in the savannahs of northern Nigeria

Stunt nematodes (Tylenchorhynchus spp.) are obligate migratory root ecto-parasitic nematodes found in the fields of many cultivated crops. These nematodes, with phyto-sanitary potential, are frequently ignored or misdiagnosed as pests, and this may pose a threat to food security. The accuracy of its identification based on a morphological approach has been challenged recently, due to the overlapping of the morphological and morphometric characters of the species. Consequently, the objective of this study is to identify and characterize stunt nematodes present in 54 fields cultivated with cereal crops (wheat, maize and rice) in the savannahs of northern Nigeria, using integrative taxonomy and molecular approaches. The molecular and morphological studies identified and confirmed the presence of T. annulatus as the occurring specie in the savannahs of northern Nigeria. The phylogenetic analysis was carried out using the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and 28S genes of ribosomal DNA further confirmed the presence of T. annulatus. The first molecular characterization and sequences of the ITS and 28S rDNA gene for T. annulatus from Nigeria were provided by this research. Also, according to our literature search, this is the first report on T. annulatus in wheat, maize and rice in the savannahs of northern Nigeria. Further study to test the pathogenicity of the parasitic nematode species found in this survey is recommended for the prioritization and development of efficient management strategies.