PLANT PARASITIC NEMATODES FROM UNIRRIGATED FIELDS IN ALHAMA, SOUTHEASTERN SPAIN

Abstract

A survey was conducted to determine the frequency and abundance of plant parasitic nematodes in unirrigated fields of Alhama region (south-eastern Spain), mainly under wheat and barley, but also food and forage legumes and olive trees. Seventy-seven fields were sampled from a total area of 38,575 ha. Heterodera avenae was the most widespread species in the area, followed by Merlinius brevidens, Pratylenchus neglectus, Pratylenchus thornei, Meloidogyne artiellia and Zygotylenchus guevarai. Twenty-three other species of plant parasitic nematodes were found. Morphometrics of Paratrophurus acristylus, Paratylenchus sheri, P. nanus and P. similes from Southern Spain are provided. Paratylenchus israeliensis is proposed as a new junior synonym of P. sheri.