Journal of Nematology (2005) 37, p. 385 (Neilson)

R. Neilson (2005)
Xiphinema krugi: Species complex or a complex species?
Journal of Nematology 37 (3), 385-385
44th Annual Meeting, Society of Nematologists, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 9-13 July, 2005
Abstract: The underlying basis of biodiversity is manifested directly and indirectly, through studies of taxonomic relationships, and of growth, form, adaptation and function. With a decreasing taxonomic resource base, at some point the delineation of a 'species', based solely on molecular data will have to be addressed. Such decisions in the future will have to consider the impact of intra- and inter-population variability. Although recognized in classical taxonomy, few if any molecular studies have dealt with this issue. As a result of inter-population morphological and morphometric heterogeneity, the taxonomic status of Xiphinema krugi (Nematoda: Longidoridae) has previously been questioned. Thus 14 morphologically putative X. krugi populations were used as a model and subjected to both taxonomic and molecular analyses to compare and contrast inter-population variability. The molecular and classical taxonomic data yielded four congruent groupings. The study of X. krugi presented here clearly demonstrates the potential problems ahead for molecular based biodiversity/ecological studies. We have demonstrated the possibility that X. krugi, currently believed to be a morphologically variable single species is in fact, either a species complex comprising of four distinct genotypes or a complex of cryptic species. The use of emerging technologies in ecological studies not only presents opportunities to the ecologist but also challenges of interpretation and understanding at a resolution hitherto unknown.
Database assignments for author(s): Roy Neilson

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
identification/taxonomy
molecular biology - genes

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Xiphinema (genus)