Occurrence and population dynamics of the root lesion nematode Pratylenchus thornei (Sher and Allen) on wheat in Bolu, Turkey

Abstract

Root lesion nematodes (RLNs) are an economically important pest due to their wide host range in the global cropping system. In Turkey, they have been found in every region and attack almost all crops (especially wheat), causing significant damage. This study investigated the occurrence and population dynamics of the root lesion nematode species Pratylenchus thornei on the winter wheat cultivar 'Bayraktar' under field conditions in Bolu Province. Surveys were conducted and a total of 145 root and soil samples were collected. Pratylenchus thornei was detected in 25 soil samples (17.2% of the total samples). Field experiments revealed that P. thornei populations were at their lowest density during the winter (November to February), before gradually increasing to their maximum in July and then decreasing again during the dry summer periods. The number of nematodes was positively correlated with temperature, and the nematode reproduction rate was between 0.8 and 4.6. When combined with integrated pest management strategies, the information provided by these results will be useful for suppressing the nematode population below the threshold level.