First report of Quinisulcius capitatus (Allen, 1955) Siddiqi, 1971 infesting pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) crops in Poland

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.24425/jppr.2026.6420

Abstract

Among the plant-parasitic nematodes feeding on peppers (Capsicum annuum L.), the most frequently mentioned genera are root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne), root-lesion nematodes (Pratylenchus), spiral nematodes (Helicotylenchus), and pearl nematodes (Naccobbus aberrans). These nematodes negatively impact pepper plant growth, manifesting as root damage and wilting of the above-ground parts. A study conducted in the intensive pepper cultivation area of Potworów, Poland identified the plant-parasitic nematode genera and species associated with wilting. Soil samples were collected from 26 sites, and 11 genera of plant-parasitic nematodes were found. The most prevalent were Meloidogyne (present in 81% of samples), Pratylenchus (73% of samples), along with Paratylenchus and Quinisulcius (both found in 50% of samples). An average of 55 Quinisulcius capitatus nematodes were found per 100 ml of soil, with the statistical significance of this value being 62.71 for the specific comparison being made in the study. This pilot study confirmed the species Q. capitatus through morphometric, morphological, and genetic analyses (sequencing of the 28S rDNA gene). Subsequently, the abundance of Q. capitatus in pepper crops was assessed under controlled conditions (16/8 hours day/night) by growing peppers in pots inoculated with the nematode. The study revealed an average 23-fold increase in nematode abundance. The observations of wilting symptoms in the pepper plants, concurrent with the rapid increase in Q. capitatus abundance, suggests this nematode is a potential pest for this crop. To our knowledge, this is the first report of Q. capitatus infesting peppers in Poland. These results provide a strong basis for further research into the specific impacts of Q. capitatus on pepper production in Poland.

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2026-06-10

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Flis, Łukasz, et al. “First Report of Quinisulcius Capitatus (Allen, 1955) Siddiqi, 1971 Infesting Pepper (Capsicum Annuum L.) Crops in Poland”. Journal of Plant Protection Research, June 2026, doi:10.24425/jppr.2026.6420.

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