First Report of Anguina pacificae Parasitizing Turfgrass in Washington

Area of Science:

• Plant Nematology
• Agricultural Entomology
• Turfgrass Science

Background:

• The Pacific shoot-gall nematode (Anguina pacificae) is a significant pest affecting annual bluegrass (Poa annua L.) putting greens.
• Its economic impact is primarily documented in coastal regions of California.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report the first confirmed occurrence of Anguina pacificae in turfgrass in Washington State.
• To document the diagnostic process and species confirmation for this nematode in a new geographic location.

Main Methods:

• Diagnostic samples from a golf course tee box in Clark County, Washington were analyzed.
• Visual examination for characteristic symptoms and nematode presence in turf crowns.
• Morphological and morphometric analysis of second-stage juveniles (J2).
• Molecular confirmation using sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and cytochrome c oxidase I (COX1) gene regions.

Main Results:

• Anguina pacificae was identified in turf samples from Washington.
• Observed symptoms included chlorotic patches, dieback, and swellings in turf crowns containing J2.
• Morphological and molecular data confirmed the species identity.

Conclusions:

• This study represents the first documented report of Anguina pacificae parasitizing turfgrass in Washington.
• The finding expands the known geographical distribution of this economically important nematode pest.
• Highlights the importance of ongoing monitoring and diagnostics for turfgrass pests.