Occurrence and seasonal variation of the root lesion nematode Pratylenchus neglectus on cereals in Bolu, Turkey

Abstract

: The root lesion nematode Pratylenchus spp. is one of the most important plant-parasitic nematodes causing global cereal yieldlosses. Effective management of plant-parasitic nematodes depends on reliable management strategies and comprehensive datasetsestimating the distribution, abundance, and population change of nematode species. This study reports the occurrence of Pratylenchusneglectus in wheat-growing districts during the 2014/15 and 2015/16 cropping seasons in Bolu, Turkey. Pratylenchus neglectus wasidentified by both morphological and molecular methods. The nematode was detected in 11.6% of samples collected from five districts.On average, P. neglectus numbered 1556 nematodes/kg soil, while 12% of samples had more than 2500 nematodes/kg soil. P. neglectuspopulation dynamics were evaluated by sowing a susceptible winter wheat variety (Bezostaya) in a naturally infested field near theÇaydurt district of Bolu during the 2014/15 and 2015/16 cropping seasons. There was a positive correlation (P < 0.01) between nematodeabundance in roots and surrounding soil temperature. The highest abundance of nematodes in roots occurred during May (averagetemperature: 22 °C), while the lowest abundance was during December–March (average temperature: 5 °C). The initial population wasmeasured as an average of 60 nematodes/100 g soil. The reproduction rate of P. neglectus ranged from 0.7 to 4.8 individuals.