Dactylella pseudoclavata sp. nov., a new nematode-trapping fungus

Abstract

Dactylella pseudoclavata sp. nov., a new fungal species, isolated from juveniles of Meloidogyne incognita, is described. The fungus produces obclavate, 0–1 septate conidia with round distal ends and bases shaped like bottlenecks. The simple, separated, and occasionally branched conidiophores bear 1–4 conidia at the apex. The fungus also produces three-dimensional adhesive networks, which trap nematodes. The fungus closely resembles Dactylella arcuata, Dactylella clavata, Dactylella crassa, Dactylella cylindrospora, Dactylella huisuniana, Dactylella submersa, Dactylella arrhenopa, and Arthrobotrys flagrans, but is distinguished by its conidial shape and size, septa number, and trap type.Key words: Dactylella pseudoclava sp. nov., nematode, nematophagous fungus.