Gametogenesis and Reproduction of Meloidogyne graminis and M. ottersoni (Nematoda: Heteroderidae).

Oogenesis and spermatogenesis of seven populations of Meloidogyne graminis and one population of M. ottersoni (formerly Hypsoperine spp.) were of the meiotic type. When males were abundant, reproduction was by amphirnixis. In most greenhouse cultures, however, males were rare and reproduction was by meiotic parthenogenesis. M. graminis and M. ottersoni are closely related to each other and to M. graminicola and M. naasi, but differ in some respect from other Meloidogyne species. It is suggested that these four species be treated together as a group of species, either in the genus Meloidogyne or in the genus Hypsoperine.