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ARS Home » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #211915
Title: A SURVEY OF CYST NEMATODES (HETERODERA SPP.) IN NORTHERN EGYPT

Author
item IBRAHIM, I - ALEXANDRIA UNIV, EGYPT
item Handoo, Zafar

Submitted to: Pakistan Journal of Nematology
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 6/30/2007
Publication Date: 7/31/2007
Citation: Ibrahim, I.K., Handoo, Z.A. 2007. A survey of cyst nematodes (Heterodera spp.) in Northern Egypt. Pakistan Journal of Nematology. 25:335-337.

Interpretive Summary: Plant-parasitic nematodes are microscopic worms that attack plant roots and cause an estimated ten billion dollars of crop loss each year in the United States and 100 billion dollars globally. In order to determine if cyst nematodes are causing agricultural problems, crop specialists routinely conduct field surveys looking for the presence of the nematodes. This survey report produced by a collaboration of scientists at the Alexandria University in Egypt and ARS describes the discovery in Egypt of eight economically important nematode species called cyst nematodes. The results are significant because this is the first report of two of these major pest species in Egypt. This report will serve as a useful guide to researchers in planning future research, identifying economically important cyst nematode species, or determining which nematodes may be present in specific areas in Egypt.

Technical Abstract: Information concerning the occurrence and distribution of cyst nematodes (Heterodera spp.) in Egypt is important to assess their potential to cause economic damage to crop plants. A nematode survey was conducted in Alexandria and El-Behera Governorates in northern Egypt to identify the species of cyst nematodes (Heterodera spp.) associated with some crop plants and grasses. The results showed the occurrence of Heterodera avenae on barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), H. zeae on corn (Zea mays L.), H. daverti on Egyptian clover (Trifolium alexandrinum L.), H. trifolii on Egyptian clover and wheat, H. schachtii on cabbage (Brassica oleracea L. var. capitata), H. lespedezae on Egytian clover, H. rosii on annual yellow sweet clover (Melilotus indica), and H. goldeni on Qasabagrass (Panicum coloratum). These detections represent new country records for H. lespedezae and H. schachtii in Egypt, as well as a new host plant record for H. trifolii on wheat in Egypt. Nematode population density, frequency of occurrence, and host association for the eight Heterodera species in Alexandria and El-Behera governorates are given. Additional information regarding distribution of these cyst nematodes within the region is needed.