DESCRIPTION AND SEM OBSERVATIONS OF MELOIDOGYNE-SASSERI N-SP (NEMATODA, MELOIDOGYNIDAE), PARASITIZING BEACHGRASSES

Meloidogyne sasseri n. sp. is described and illustrated from American beachgrass (Ammophila breviligulata) originally collected from Henlope n State Park and Fenwick Island near the Maryland state line in Delawa re, United States (6). Its relationship to M. graminis, M. spartinae, and M. californiensis is discussed. Primary distinctive characters of the female perineal pattern were a high to rounded arch with shoulders , widely spaced lateral lines interrupting transverse striations, a su nken vulva and anus, and coarse broken striae around the anal area. Se cond-stage juvenile body length was 554 mum (470-650), stylet length 1 4 mum (13-14.5), tait length 93 mum (83-115), tapering to a finely rou nded terminus. Male stylet length 20 mum (19-21.5), spicule length 33 mum (30-36). Scanning electron microscope observations provided additi onal details of perineal patterns and face views of the female, male, and J2 head. Wheat, rice, oat, Ammophila sp., Panicum sp., bermudagras s, zoysiagrass and St. Augustinegrass were tested as hosts. Distributi on of the species was the coasts of Delaware and Maryland. The common name ''beachgrass root-knot'' is proposed for M. sasseri n. sp.