NOTES ON TAXONOMY AND BIOLOGY:  M. kikuyensis females have a cuticular perineal pattern similar to that of M. javanica with a moderately high dorsal arch and prominent single lateral line. Characteristic cheek-like patterns are present at each side of the vulva. This root-knot nematode has sedentary endoparasitic habits. Second-stage juveniles (J2) penetrate host roots where they establish a specialized feeding site (giant cells) in the stele. As J2 develop, they cause root swellings and become swollen females. Females rupture root cortex and some time protrude with the egg masses from the root surface. J2 emerge from the egg masses and migrate in the soil (De Grisse, 1960).

GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION: This root-knot nematode is a tropical or subtropical species reported in Kenya, South Africa and Tanzania (Campos et al., 1990; Sikora and Greco, 1990; Spaull and Cadet, 1990).

HOSTS: The host range of this species includes: coffee (Coffea arabica), cowpea (Vigna unguiculata), kikuyu grass (Pennisetum clandestinum), and sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum).

CROP LOSSES: Decline of coffee, cowpea, and sugracane has been associated with this pest. No quantification of nematode damage has been reported.

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

RATING: (VL) Taking into consideration the distribution of this nematode and the low chances of its introduction into the US, the risks posed by this tropical root-knot nematode is rated very low.

REFERENCES:
    Campos, V. P., P. Sivapalan, and N. C. Gnanapragasam 1990. Nematode parasites of coffee, cocoa and tea. Pp. 387-430 in M. Luc, R. A. Sikora, and J. Bridge eds. Plant parasitic nematodes in tropical and subtropical agriculture.  Wallingford, UK: CAB International.
    De Grisse, A. 1960. Meloidogyne kikuyensis n. sp., a parasite of kikuyu grass (Pennisetum clandestinum) in Kenya. Nematologica 5:303-308.
    Sikora, R. A., and N. Greco. 1990. Nematode parasites of food legumes. Pp. 181-235 in M. Luc, R. A. Sikora, and J. Bridge eds. Plant parasitic nematodes in tropical and subtropical agriculture.  Wallingford, UK: CAB International.
    Spaull, V. W.., and P. Cadet. 1990. Nematode parasites of sugarcane. Pp. 461-491 in M. Luc, R. A. Sikora, and J. Bridge eds. Plant parasitic nematodes in tropical and subtropical agriculture.  Wallingford, UK: CAB International.