THE GENUS BASIRIA SIDDIQI, 1959 (NEMATODA, TYLENCHIDAE) IV - GENERAL DISCUSSION, GENUS DIAGNOSIS AND KEY TO THE SPECIES

General morphological aspects of the genus Basiria Siddiqi, 1959 are d escribed and discussed. The variability and taxonomic importance of se veral morphological features are evaluated. Body, tail and stylet leng th which have been used for differentiation of some species are consid ered to be variable characters. The position of the median bulb (MB ra tio) and the number of lateral lines are the most reliable characters for Basil ia species differentiation. The shape of basal bulb and head , position of the dorsal oesophageal gland orifice, and the tail shape (in species with short and conical tail) are also to some extent reli able. The diagnosis of Basiria is emended and close relationships with other genera are briefly discussed. The list of 35 species included i n the genus and a key to their identification are provided.