Species of pratylenchus (nematoda: Pratylenchidae) in Canada: Description, distribution, and identification

Based on preserved mounted specimens in the Canadian National Collection of Nematodes, species of Pratylenchus from Canada are described and illustrated. Distribution data and a key to the species are also provided. Canadian species of Pratylenchus are P. crenatus, P. fallax, P. flakkensis, P. hexincisus, P. macrostylus, P. neglectus, P. penetrans, P. pratensis, P. sensillatus, P. thornei, and P. zeae. Among them, P. penetrans is the most common followed by P. crenatus and P. neglectus. Pratylenchus fallax is associated only with grasses, whereas P. macrostylus was found on pine (Pinus spp.) and birch (Betula spp.). Pratylenchus sensillatus was only found on timothy (Phleum pratense) in Ontario. This is the first report of P. fallax and P. penetrans in Saskatchewan; of P. neglectus, P. penetrans, and P. pratensis in Manitoba; and of P. crenatus, P. hexincisus, P. neglectus, and P. penetrans in Alberta.