ARS | Publication request: The stunt nematode Sauertylenchus maximus in pastures of Bingol Province, Turkey

Submitted to: Igdir University Journal of the Institute of Science and Technology
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: May 15, 2012
Publication Date: July 1, 2012
Citation: Yildiz, S., Handoo, Z.A., Carta, L.K., Skantar, A.M., Chitwood, D.J. 2012. The stunt nematode Sauertylenchus maximus in pastures of Bingol Province, Turkey. Igdir University Journal of the Institute of Science and Technology. 2(2):17-19.

Interpretive Summary: Plant-parasitic nematodes are microscopic worms that feed on plant roots and cause an estimated ten billion dollars of crop losses each year in the United States and 100 billion dollars globally. One problem with determining the extent of nematode damage to crop plants is that the nematodes present in many areas are not known, such as the province of Bingol, Turkey. In this study, a team of researchers from Bingol University and ARS surveyed and identified the nematodes in pastures in Bingol province. This research revealed the presence of an economically nematodes known as a stunt nematode. The results are significant because they represent the first report of this species in the region. This research will be of use to scientists, growers, action agencies and others involved in nematode research and control.

Technical Abstract: The province of Bingol, a very mountainous area located in the eastern Anatolian region of Turkey, has limited agricultural land but large intermountain pastures supporting the main economic resource of the region, livestock production. The stunt nematode Sauertylenchus maximus was recovered from a soil sample taken during a survey to investigate plant-parasitic and other soil nematodes of pastures in Bingol Province. In addition, morphometric measurements of female S. maximus are provided. Presently, we lack information about its distribution and host association, which should be the subjects of further research. Although this species has been reported from northwestern Turkey, the published literature contains no record of it in the eastern Anatolian region. Therefore, this is a regional first report of the species.