Review: Rotylenchulus Species: Identification, Distribution, Host Ranges, and Crop Plant Resistance

The ten known species of Rotylenchulus are sedentary root parasites that occur largely in tropical and subtropical latitudes. They can be distinguished with a simple dichotomous key. Hundreds of studies have examined the biology, economic impact, and management of the type species, R. reniformis. Information also is available regarding the geographical distribution, host range, and histopathology induced by R. borealis, R. macrodoratus, R. macrosoma, and R. parvus. Relatively little is known regarding R. anamictus, R. brevitubulus, R. clavicaudatus, R. leptus, and R. sacchari. Rotylenchulus reniformis and R. parvus both appear to have a cosmopolitan distribution in warm latitudes; R. borealis, so far, has been reported primarily from Europe and Africa; R. macrodoratus and R. macrosoma have been found primarily in the Mediterranean region. There are clear anatomical differences in the trophic site induced by R. macrodoratus (uninucleate giant cell) compared to those induced by R. bore