Description of Prionchulus jonkershoekensis n. sp. (Nematoda: Mononchida), a new predatory species from South Africa

Abstract

Prionchulus jonkershoekensis n. sp. is described from South Africa and illustrated using morphological, morphometric, and molecular techniques. This species is characterized by its body length (1.78-2.14 mm); the size of buccal cavity (38-44 × 24-31 µm), lower dorsal tooth position in relation to buccal cavity base, the position of amphidial aperture just above dorsal tooth apex, pars proximalis vaginae with almost straight walls, and tail 144-158 µm long with sickle shaped posterior third part. Phylogenetic analyses based on 18 S rDNA and 28 S rDNA of P. jonkershoekensis n. sp. revealed close relationships of the new species with Prionchulus punctatus and Prionchulus muscorum. This is also an additional geographical record for the genus from South Africa.

Soil-Borne Nematodes: Impact in Agriculture and Livestock and Sustainable Strategies of Prevention and Control with Special Reference to the Use of Nematode Natural Enemies

“…Soil nematodes have a wide range of relationships with microorganisms of other species. Parasitism and predation are common ways of life, and some nematodes can be parasites or predators [9,10]. Similarly, soil nematodes play an important role in the food chain since they serve as food for other organisms of different taxonomic groups, i.e., mites [11] or nematodes [12], and at the same time, they feed on other organisms, including fungi, bacteria, and microarthropods [13]; additionally, nematodes participate as biogeochemical cycle regulators and enhancers of vegetation dynamics [14].…”