Redescription and molecular characterisation of Xiphinema barense Lamberti et al., 1986 (Nematoda: Longidoridae) from wild olive trees in southern Italy

A population of Xiphinema barense from wild olive trees in Torre Pozzella, Brindisi province, southern Italy, is described using both morphological and molecular studies and compared with the description of the type specimens. The wild olive nematode population agrees very well with all morphometrics provided in the original description. However, detailed observations of the lumen of the tubular portion of the uterus in paratypes and specimens of the new population revealed a clear pseudo-Z-organ with small granules mixed with crystalloid bodies which were previously undetected. Photomicrographs of adult paratypes, which were lacking in the original description, and of specimens of the new population from wild olive trees are provided. The results of the phylogenetic analyses based on the sequences of the D2-D3 expansion regions of the 28S rRNA gene and ITS rRNA genes confirm the species differentiation and indicate the phylogenetic position of X. barense and its relationship with closely related species.The present research was partially funded by the grant 219262 ArimNET_ERANET FP7 2012-2015 Project PESTOLIVE “Contribution of olive history for the management of soilborne parasites in the Mediterranean basin”; and grant AGR-136 from ‘Consejería de Economía, Innvovación y Ciencia’ from Junta de Andalucía, and Union Europea, Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo regional, “Una manera de hacer Europa”.Peer Reviewe