Résumé
The diversity of root knot nematodes parasitizing coffee orchards in Central America was newly assessed through a broad regional survey. Populations of Meloidogyne spp. were identified by their esterase phenotype. Eleven esterase phenotypes were observed and nine species identified. Meloidogyne exigua was the most widely distributed while M. arabicida, M. arenaria, M. hapla, M. izalcoensis and M. paranaensis appeared to be much more localized. Concerning M. paranaensis, only observed in Guatemala, the two-band esterase phenotypes prevailed. About M. arenaria, the one-band esterase phenotype (A1) was observed for the first time on coffee in one population in Guatemala. A three-band esterase phenotype (A3) was observed in two populations in El Salvador and could belong to M. morocciensis. The presence of M. enterolobii on coffee in Central America was confirmed with one population from Guatemala and another one from Costa Rica as a new report. Based on esterase diagnosis identifications of M. incognita were made for the first time on coffee in the region: in Costa Rica, El Salvador and Guatemala. Taken together, the results of the survey revealed a high number of root knot nematode species present on coffee throughout Central America.