In 1981, it was detected the presence of a new form of gall nematode in the coffee tree with morphological characteristics and aggressiveness different from the species already informed in the country, what stated the need of its identification and recommendations for its management in coffee tree, where it sets as one of the most harmful plagues, jointly to the knowledge about a species with similar characteristics in Puerto Rico and Africa,

Contributions to knowledge were made through the morphological study on the species at world level: the characterization of female cephalic region as a taxonomically important element, which was not included in its original description; the study, for the first time for the Meloidogyne genre, of the total proteins profiles (IEF), proving the existence of intraspecific variations; and the definitive location of its Cuban population inside M. mayaguensis species, supported on the esterase pattern respecting the reference species.

Physiological studies on these populations stated that Impatiens balsamina (madama) is the optimum host as indicator plant for bioassays development, discarding Cucurbita spp (pumpkin) or Cucumis sativo (cucumber), traditionally used for in-situ determination of this group of nematodes.

This method has been considered by different authors as a rapid, practical and objective medium in Meloidogyne species identification (Esbenshade and Triantaphyllou, 1990),  and definitely, in the case of M. mayaguensis (Fargette 1999); it has made it possible to identify the populations of this species, which were morphologicaly included in the M. incognita sensu latu group, (Fargette et al 1994).

It was determined that populations in eastern Cuba were able to parasitize Coffea canephora and break resistance in Mi-gene carrying plants, parasitizing 24 species and varieties of plants belonging to 13 botanical families, such as Canavalia ensiformis, guava, tomato and celery.

These results made it possible to add a series of recommendations to improve the Integrated Management System for Nematodes of the genus Meloidogyne in the coffee tree. Results of description and aggressiveness have been added to pest-warning systems in different countries, such as the United States (Florida).

These results were published in 8 articles in scientific journals – one of them being highly impacting; they have been presented in scientific events both domestically and abroad (Guadeloupe, Argentina, Puerto Rico and Brazil) and have won awards.