The Changing Landscape of Root‐Knot Nematodes in Brazilian Soybean Fields: Shifting Prevalence of <i>Meloidogyne arenaria</i> , <i>M. incognita</i> and <i>M. javanica</i> and the Occurrence of an Emerging Species, <i>M. enterolobii</i>

ABSTRACT Root‐knot nematodes ( Meloidogyne spp., RKNs) pose a significant threat to soybean ( Glycine max ) production, causing substantial yield losses globally. Despite their economic importance, comprehensive studies on the distribution, co‐occurrence and genetic diversity of Meloidogyne in Brazilian soybean fields are scarce. Previous surveys have relied on limited sampling or biochemical methods, often underestimating species diversity and mixed infestations. Advances in molecular tools now enable more precise and sensitive species identification. This study combined biochemical and molecular approaches to identify Meloidogyne species across 344 soybean fields in 10 states of central‐south Brazil. RKN galls were detected in 23% (79) of the surveyed fields, and biochemical analyses confirmed Meloidogyne incognita , Meloidogyne javanica , Meloidogyne arenaria and Meloidogyne enterolobii . Sequence characterised amplified region‐PCR (SCAR‐PCR) assays revealed mixed populations in 44% (35/79) of infested fields, with two or three Meloidogyne species co‐occurring. Phylogenetic analyses of mitochondrial markers ( COI , COII and NADH5 ) validated species identification, with NADH5 proving the most informative for differentiating M. incognita , M. javanica and M. arenaria . This study reports the first detection of M. enterolobii in commercial soybean fields in central and south Brazil, representing an emerging challenge for nematode management. The findings reveal shifts in species composition and abundance over the past two decades, with M. incognita predominating in Mato Grosso and Goiás, and M. javanica in southern states. The frequent co‐occurrence of multiple species underscores the need for continuous monitoring and integrated management. These results provide new insights into the diversity and distribution of Meloidogyne species affecting soybean production in Brazil.