NOTES ON TAXONOMY AND BIOLOGY: This amphimictic spiral nematode is characterized by females having only one functional ovary and a posteriorly located vulva. This species has migratory endoparasitic habits similar to those of H. multicinctus. Nematode development and reproduction occurs inside the root tissue of plant hosts (Vovlas et al., 1995).

GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION: Helicotylenchus variocaudatus is a tropical species occurring in the Ivory Coast, Sao Tome and Principe.

HOSTS: The only known hosts of this species are banana (Musa sp.), black pepper (Piper nigrum) and lebbek tree (Albizia sp.) (CAB International 2001).

CROP LOSSES: Nematode damage caused by this nematode has not been quantified.

MEANS OF MOVEMENT AND DISPERSAL:  Through root material and infected bare root propagative plant material.

RATING: Taking into consideration the limited distribution of this nematode and the low chance of introduction into the Unitee States the risks posed by this nematode to the United States is rated very low (VL).

REFERENCES:
    CAB International, 2001. Helicotylenchus variocaudatus in: Crop protection compendium, global module, 3rd edition. Wallingford, UK: CAB International.
    Vovlas, N., A. Troccoli, and C. Rodrigues. 1995. Supplementary female morphology and male description of Helicotylenchus variocaudatus from banana roots. Nematologia Mediterranea 23; 93-99.