A Survey for Plant-Parasitic Nematodes Associated with Strawberry (Fragaria ananassa Duch) Crop in Chui Province, Kyrgyzstan

Abstract

Strawberry Fragaria ananassa Duch. is a perennial herbaceous plant grown in large areas around the world. It grows best in subtropical warm, cool climates, and its fruits are a very valuable food for human with its unique color, aroma and taste. Strawberries are used in pure form when fully ripe, as well as in the manufacture of sweets and beverages. Strawberry growing is an important and priority area in Kyrgyzstan and is grown mainly in the field, so they ripen in summer and go on sale. Strawberries, like other plants, are susceptible to various diseases and pests during cultivation. In addition to diseases and pests, nematodes live around the plant's roots, impairing plant nutrition and reducing yields. A survey was conducted in Chuy province, which is major strawberry growing region in Kyrgyzstan to study the occurrence of plant-parasitic nematodes associated with strawberry. A total 25 soil and 7 foliage samples containing mixed populations of 10 genera belonging to order Tylenchida were analyzed. The identified genera were: Aphelenchoides, Aphelenchus, Criconema, Ditylenchus, Gracilacus, Helicotylenchus, Paratylenchus, Pratylenchus, Tylenchorhynus and Tylenchus. Frequency and density of each genera were variable from field to field. Tylenchus and Helicotylenchus genera were most frequent with 88 % and 72 %, respectively. A dangerous nematode of strawberry, Aphelenchoides fragariae, has been found to occur in very low frequencies in fields. No species belonging to the genus Meloidogyne were found in the specimens. However, many of the observed species are important parasites of strawberry, but it is not serious problem for region according to species status, prevalence and frequency.