In the rice agroecosystems of Southeast Asia, rice root knot nematode (Meloidogyne graminicola) significantly impairs yield, representing a major species within the 'graminis-group' known for its morphological similarities with other root knot nematodes (RKNs). This study delves into the variations in reproductive potential, morphology, morphometrics, and genetic diversity among thirty RKN populations in rice across three distinct agroecological zones in Jharkhand, India. Despite notable differences in reproductive potential among the populations, morphological and morphometric correlations to reproductive potential were inconclusive. However, male and juvenile morphometrics were crucial for identifying intraspecific variability. Genetic analysis utilizing five molecular markers (ITS, 18 S rRNA, D2-D3 of 28 S, COX-I, and COX-II) affirmed the populations as M. graminicola, with ITS marker revealing significant intraspecific variability. Phylogenetic analysis underscored the close relationship between M. oryzae and M. graminicola, distinct from other mitotic RKN species. Low genetic distance and nucleotide diversity, coupled with high haplotype diversity, negative Tajima's D, and Fu's Fs of haplotype network analysis, suggested that all M. graminicola populations are expanding. These findings highlight the urgent need for comprehensive management strategies against M. graminicola, providing valuable insights for growers, extension officials, and plant breeders to develop targeted management approaches and resistance breeding programs.

Department of Botany Victoria Institution 78 B A P C Road Kolkata West Bengal 700009 India

Department of Genetics University of Calcutta Kolkata West Bengal 700019 India

Department of Plant Pathology The Ohio State University Columbus OH 43210 USA

Division of Nematology Indian Agricultural Research Institute New Delhi 110012 India

Division of Plant Biology Bose Institute Centenary Campus Kolkata West Bengal 700054 India

EVA 4 0 Unit Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences Czech University of Life Sciences Prague Prague Czechia

Indian Statistical Institute Giridih Jharkhand 815301 India

School of Integrative Biological and Chemical Sciences University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Edinburg TX USA

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