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 yield losses. Effective management of plant-parasitic nematodes depends on reliable management strategies and comprehensive datasets estimating the distribution, abundance, and population change of nematode species. This study reports the occurrence of Pratylenchus neglectus in wheat-growing districts during the 2014/15 and 2015/16 cropping seasons in Bolu, Turkey. Pratylenchus neglectus was identified 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. neglectus population dynamics were evaluated by sowing a susceptible winter wheat variety (Bezostaya) in a naturally infested field near the Çaydurt district of Bolu during the 2014/15 and 2015/16 cropping seasons. There was a positive correlation (P < 0.01) between nematode abundance in roots and surrounding soil temperature. The highest abundance of nematodes in roots occurred during May (average temperature: 22 °C), while the lowest abundance was during December–March (average temperature: 5 °C). The initial population was measured as an average of 60 nematodes/100 g soil. The reproduction rate of P. neglectus ranged from 0.7 to 4.8 individuals.