Rural Industries Research & Development Corporation

Research Compendium 1993 - 1994

Research Project

REVIEW AND CATALOGUING OF PLANT AND SOIL NEMATODES IN AUSTRALIA

Objectives

To make available a comprehensive list of the plant parasitic nematodes present in Australia, which:

• includes the most recently available data;
• covers material maintained in herbarium collections;
• is consistent with currently accepted concepts of nematode taxonomy and nomenclature;
• indicates botanical range (the host plants on which, or associated plants around which the nematode has been found); and
• indicates the geographic range of the nematode's distribution.

Background

Previous bibliographies listing the presence and distribution of plant parasitic nematodes in Australia, have been produced on an irregular basis since 1938. The most recent, produced in 1986, is now well out of date.

The taxonomy of plant parasitic nematodes is an area which has received little scientific study or financial support in Australia, relative to other countries, and yet it is an area fundamental to the development of effective practices for controlling nematode diseases. If we do not know what nematode we are dealing with, how can we develop effective control practices? Furthermore, knowledge of the presence and distribution of nematodes is a vital element of the effective operation of our national quarantine service.

Research

The project aimed to build on previous listings of the presence of plant and soil nematodes in Australia by:

• referring to general, technical and scientific publications;
• checking accession records in the various states;
• obtaining information from various plant disease diagnostic operations; and
• soliciting information by personal communication with fellow nematologists.

Outcomes

The project has resulted in a 150 page publication, entitled 'Plant Nematodes of Australia Listed by Plant and Genus'. The publication is divided into three sections:

• a listing of nematodes by host/associated plants;
• a quick reference list of nematodes by genus and species; and
• a listing of nematodes by genus and species, including host range and geographic distribution.

Implications

With the rapid demise of nematode taxonomic services both nationally and internationally, this publication will provide a valuable reference source to nematologist, and to quarantine authorities (AQIS).

With better information available on the presence and distribution of plant parasitic nematodes, it will now be possible to develop new and improved control strategies that rely less on the use of chemical methods.

RIRDC Project No: DAN-98A

RESEARCHER: Mr R W McLeod

ORGANISATION: NSW Dept of Agriculture

PHONE: 02 683 9777

Last updated: 10 October 1996
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Index of RIRDC Projects URL
http://www.rirdc.gov.au/pub/compendium/93-94/index-b.html