Description of Bursaphelenchus Lignicolus N. Sp. (Nematoda: Aphelenchoididae) From Pine Wood and Histopathology of Nematode-Infested Trees

Bursaphelenchus lignicolus n. sp. is described and illustrated from wood of pine trees (Pinus densiflora Sieb. et Zucc. and P. thunbergii Parl.) in Japan. This new species can be distinguished from other species of the genus by a distinct vulvar flap and the shape of spicules. The nematode is widespread throughout central to southwestern Japan in association with trees dead from a virulent epidemic in pine forests. Histopathological studies revealed that B. lignicolus occurred mostly in axial and radial resin canals of nematode infested trees but epithelial cells were also damaged.