First report of Xiphinema ifacolumLuc, 1961(Dorylaimida: Longidoridae) from Nigeria

A population of a species of dagger nematode (Xiphinema) belonging to the non-americanumgroup was recovered from the fields of kola nut (Colasp.) in southern Nigeria. The morphological and morphometric data obtained from this population were consistent with the characteristics of the species Xiphinema ifacolum. In addition, molecular identification based on D2-D3 expansion segments of 28S rRNA and partial mitochondrial COIgene regions confirmed its identity. According to our knowledge, this is the first report of the species from Nigeria, and the second report from Africa, after the original description from Foulaya, Guinea.