Occurrence of the stubby root nematode, <i>Nanidorus renifer</i> , in cultivated and wild blueberry ( <i>Vaccinium</i> spp.) plants in Pennsylvania, USA

Stubby root nematodes (SRN) are plant-parasitic nematodes known to cause damage to a wide range of crops, including blueberries. However, while blueberries are native to the Eastern and Northern regions of the United States, no information is available regarding the presence or distribution of SRN in blueberry production systems in Pennsylvania. To address this gap, between 2023 to 2025, a statewide survey was conducted to assess plant-parasitic nematodes populations in commercial blueberry fields in the state. The survey detected the SRN Nanidorus renifer (syn. Paratrychodorus renifer) in 50% of the surveyed counties, at densities of 4 to 56 SRN/ 100 cc soil. Subsequent sampling also confirmed the occurrence of this species in wild blueberry plants within the state. These findings represent the first report of N. renifer in the rhizosphere of both cultivated and wild blueberry plants in Pennsylvania.