Chinese researchers have detected a new species of root-knot nematode, found attacking the vineyards of Yunnan province. Named after the grapevines it lives in and destroys, Meloidogyne vitis is the most recently identified species in a genus of roundworms infamous for devastating crops worldwide. Yang Hu, of Yunnan Agricultural University: “M. vitis found in Yunnan Province poses a serious threat to grape production and seriously damage grapes thereby causing severe root knots, leaf yellowing and shedding, roots were atrophied and distorted, dwarfed plants and reduced fruit size. We consider M. vitis to be of equal threat as other root-knot nematodes. Whether there are certain characteristics make it particularly vicious, we don’t know yet, and further research will also be necessary to explore.” Known for its grape production, Yunnan province in central China produced 7 billion yuan ($1 billion) worth of the fruit in 2014. Grapes from the region are produced to be eaten fresh and dried, as well as squeezed into juice and fermented into wine. Root-knot nematodes not only live in roots, they also pierce through cell walls to take in nutrients. In response to the infestation plant roots form galls, taking nutrients away from healthy growth and stunting the development of fruit. “The destroyed fibrous roots and root hairs initially show slight swelling,” the researchers wrote in a paper, published Wednesday in the journal PLOS ONE. “In later stages, the diseased roots become rotten, which directly affects the absorption of water and nutrients by the root system and results in great reductions in grape yield and fruit quality.” Source - https://www.freshplaza.com