Analysis of Developmental Stages and Morphological Characteristics in Xiphinema Species Juveniles (Nematoda: Longidoridae)

This study investigates the developmental stages and morphological characteristics of Xiphinema species during their juvenile stages (J1, J2, and J3). Through detailed analysis, this research examines the transformations and adaptive traits exhibited by these nematodes throughout their early life stages. . We conducted an examination of morphological traits and gathered essential measurements from the specimens. An observed occurrence involves the replacement of odontostyle in the pharyngeal region across all three juvenile stages. The initial juvenile stage of Xiphinema ranged in body length from 750.1 to 1104.8 μm, followed by the second stage spanning 1166.1 to 1705.1 μm, and the third stage ranging from 1752.8 to 2339.2 μm. The length of replacement odontostyle during these stages occurred within specific ranges: 55.1-80.1 µm in the first stage, 81.1-105.0 µm in the second stage, and 107.7-126.1 µm in the third stage. Detailed morphological observations, accompanied by microphotographs, provide insights into the structural changes characterizing each developmental phase.