Distribution and prevalence of root-knot nematode species in greenhouse vegetables in northern Iraq

The objective of the study was to determine the distribution and prevalence of root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) in greenhouse vegetables in Sulaymaniyah, Erbil and Duhok Provinces of northern Iraq. One hundred and eighty-seven greenhouses were surveyed during November and December 2018. Meloidogyne spp. were identified by perineal patterns and esterase phenotype. Meloidogyne were detected in 37% of the greenhouses surveyed and the prevalence were 40% in Sulaymaniyah, 38% in Duhok and 34% in Erbil. Meloidogyne javanica Treub, 1885 and Meloidogyne incognita Kofoid & White, 1919 (Tylenchida: Meloidogynidae), were found in 64 and 36% of the greenhouses infested with Meloidogyne, respectively. By province surveyed, M. incognita and M. javanica were detected in 23 and 15% of greenhouses in Duhok, 12 and 22% of greenhouses in Erbil, 10 and 30% of surveyed greenhouses in Sulaymaniyah, respectively. Meloidogyne spp. were found in arugula, cauliflower, cucumber, eggplant, lettuce, tomato and zucchini. The highest prevalence of Meloidogyne spp. were in cucumber (58%) and tomato (33%), which are the most commonly grown vegetables in greenhouses in the study area.