Description of Meloidogyne minor n. sp. (Nematoda: Meloidogynidae), a root-knot nematode associated with yellow patch disease in golf courses

A relatively small root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne minor n. sp., is described and illustrated from tomato from the Netherlands. This new species is characterised by the following features: female with dorsally curved stylet, 14 m long, with transversely ovoid knobs slightly sloping backwards from the shaft; perineal pattern rounded; male stylet 18 m long, large transversely ovoid knobs slightly sloping backwards from the shaft; head region not set off, labial disc elevated, lateral lips prominent; and secondstage juvenile 377 m long, with hemizonid posterior adjacent to excretory pore; tail 54 m long; and a distinct hyaline tail terminus 16 m long. Additionally, distinguishing information on isozymes, DNA, cytogenetics and host plants is presented. Meloidogyne minor n. sp. has so far been found on potato in the Netherlands and has been detected in the British Isles on several golf courses, associated with yellow patches, often together with M. naasi.