Root-knot nematodes ( Meloidogyne spp.) infect a large number of crops including guava. We investigated a population of Meloidogyne sp. infecting guava in the Coimbatore region of Tamil Nadu, India for identification and species confirmation. Detailed morphological and morphometric observations based on second-stage juveniles, males, females, and perineal patterns showed resemblance of the isolated population with the original and subsequent descriptions of M. enterolobii . Isozyme analysis of the young egg-laying females displayed the characteristic esterase phenotype pattern similar to that of M. enterolobii. Additionally, the identity of the nematode population was further validated by M. enterolobii specific SCAR marker and ITS rDNA. Recently published reports on the occurrence and morphological descriptions of M. enterolobii from India are largely incongruent with the original and subsequent redescriptions of the species. Here, we present the most comprehensive morphology and morphometrics of an Indian population of M. enterolobii for its authentic identification.

Horticulture data is essential for estimating the growth of this sector to assess the demand and supply trend for horticulture produce. Availability of reliable horticulture data is one of the most critical requirements for efficient policy planning and to consider impact of development programmes in this sector as also for carrying out an analysis of problems and constraints in growth of the sector and exploring growth prospects. Availability of realistic data will also lend scope to devise appropriate strategies for exploiting huge export potential available in this sector. The National Horticulture Board's current "Indian Horticulture Database 2014" gives 2013-14 Horticulture data, containing area, production and yield estimates, apart from the information about price and market arrivals of important crops in the major markets of the country, export data etc., which I am sure would help producers, consumers, traders, importers, exporters, extension workers, researchers, policy makers and other state holders, immensely. Collection of such data has been a challenging job considering vast diverse of Horticulture crops, practices followed in the states, varying role of State Department of Agriculture, Horticulture and State Directorate of Economics & Statistics in generating statistics for Horticulture Sector. Validation to the extent feasible is done by the Department of Agriculture & Cooperation based on the available inputs from NHB, NHRDF, market arrivals, price trends and discussions with State Governments. I convey my best wishes to the agencies and personnel engaged in the extremely technical area of crop estimation, whose initiatives and efforts would go a long way in restoring the confidence of the users of the information and data documented herein.