Three Aotearoa New Zealand Meloidogyne nematodes predict biosecurity risk from overseas species *

Meloidogyne minor was discovered in AoNZ at a sports ground in 2015. Since then, control measures (nematicide and footwear washing) appear to have limited the spread of this nematode to that single location. Being such a recent incursion does highlight the need for ongoing biosecurity surveillance especially on those pathways that could allow Meloidogyne to enter and establish in AoNZ.

By contrast, both M. trifoliophila and M. fallax have been present in AoNZ for several decades. M. trifoliophila has a limited host range (mostly clovers) and appears to have a distribution limited by temperature to the North Island and the west coast of the South Island. Conversely M. fallax has a wide host range and has spread throughout the country. M. fallax spread through the South Island over a relatively short span of time (1-2 decades). The combination of wide host range and rapid spread characteristics suggests M. fallax biology is worthy of closer study to understand what aspects are responsible for those characteristics. Such understanding would allow for matching to similar Meloidogyne not currently in AoNZ and identification of those species that are high risk for this country’s primary production industries.

Together M. minor, M. trifoliophila and M. fallax present an opportunity to identify high risk Meloidogyne to AoNZ and take appropriate steps to minimise the risk of their entry.

* Conference abstract title: Three contrasting species of Meloidogyne nematodes in Aotearoa New Zealand (AoNZ) illustrate the potential to identify biosecurity risk from invasive Meloidogyne species