GRACILACUS MUSAE N. SP., (NEMATODA: PARATYLENCHINAE) FROM BANANA FIELD IN SINDH, PAKISTAN

Abstract

Gracilacus musae n. sp., is described and illustrated from soil around the roots of banana (Musaparadisiaca L.) from Sindh, Pakistan. This new species can be distinguished from all other species of the genus Gracilacus on the basis of a combination of characteristics, lateral field with three incisures, absence of lateral vulval flaps and stylet under 45 µm. However, it comes close to G. acicula, G.aculenta, G. costata, G. latescens and G. solivaga, but differs from all these five species by having greater ‘c’ value, more posteriorly located vulva and smaller stylet.