NEMATODE VECTORS OF PLANT-VIRUSES IN NEW-ZEALAND

A survey of virus vector nematodes based on a total of 320 published a nd recent records revealed that 3 Longidorus, 1 Paralongidorus, 6 Xiph inema, 2 Trichodorus, and 3 Paratrichodorus species are present in New Zealand. Xiphinema diversicaudatum and Paratrichodorus minor are the mast common and widespread species. Longidorus orongorongensis, an und escribed Paralongidorus species and Trichodorus cottieri appear to be endemic species, and Longidorus taniwha, Paratrichodorus lobatus and p robably one (still unidentified) species of the X. americanum group ar e also indigenous to New Zealand. Most of the other species (e.g. Long idorus elongatus, X. diversicaudatum, and Trichodorus primitivus) were probably introduced from Europe. Maps showing the distribution of the 15 species in New Zealand, and illustrations and tables of the morpho logical characters for species identification, are presented. Several species are of economic importance through direct damage they cause to cultivated plants, and all can be considered potential vectors of pla nt viruses.