Scientists from the CSIC are a new species of nematode that attacks the vine

The nematode called Rotylenchus vitis n. SP., is characterized by a cylindrical body of 1.5 to 2 mm in length and 45 to 50 microns in width. It has, like the rest of nematodes that feed on plants, a stylus or needle to pass through plant cells, as well as a rounded tail. It feeds on the root of the vine for short periods of time and it may appear in the soil surrounding the roots or anchored to them. "Vine plants attacked by this new nematode fitoparásito do not show any visible symptoms." "In fact, we have found so few moment they do not pose any risk to grow", explains the Coordinator of the study, the researcher at the CSIC in the Institute of agriculture sustainable Pablo Castillo.

For scientists, the work, which has counted with the collaboration of grace Liébanas, of the University of Jaen, demonstrates "the extraordinary and rich biodiversity" nematodes fitoparásitos in natural environments and agricultural crops in Spain. "In addition, shows that our country, which have been already described five new species to science, is a center of diversification of the genus Rotylenchus", emphasizes Castle.