First Report of Meloidogyne Morocciensis Infecting Hops (Humulus Lupulus)

Area of Science:

• Plant Pathology
• Nematology
• Horticulture

Background:

• Humulus lupulus (hops) is crucial for the brewing industry and cultivated globally.
• Hop cultivation has expanded into regions of Brazil, including Espírito Santo.
• Observed symptoms of leaf wilting and root galling in Brazilian hop fields prompted investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify the causal agent of observed disease symptoms in Humulus lupulus.
• To determine the specific Meloidogyne species affecting hop roots in Brazil.
• To document the first occurrence of Meloidogyne morocciensis on Humulus lupulus.

Main Methods:

• Collection and laboratory processing of soil and root samples from affected hop plants.
• Extraction and identification of nematodes from the Meloidogyne genus.
• Morphological, morphometric, and biochemical analyses for species identification.

Main Results:

• Nematodes belonging to the Meloidogyne genus were successfully extracted from hop roots.
• Morphological, morphometric, and biochemical analyses confirmed the presence of Meloidogyne morocciensis.
• This study represents the first report of Humulus lupulus as a host for Meloidogyne morocciensis.

Conclusions:

• Meloidogyne morocciensis is identified as the nematode species causing root galling and wilting in Humulus lupulus in Brazil.
• The findings highlight a new host-parasite interaction with potential implications for hop cultivation.
• Further research is needed to understand the impact and management of this nematode in hop production.