Identification of plant-parasitic nematodes associated with cut flowers

Carnation, gerbera and lisianthus are an important part of the cut flower market worldwide, but plant-parasitic nematodes (PPN) affect their production and quality. Therefore, rapid and accurate identification of PPNs is required for effective pest management programmes and crop rotation. In this study, a survey was carried out in the Antalya province of Turkey, an area where carnation, gerbera, lisianthus and chrysanthemum are commercially grown. A total of 79 soil samples were collected from greenhouses in the area, and 12 species-specific primers for identification of Meloidogyne, Pratylenchus and Rotylenchulus species were used for molecular detection. Pratylenchus thornei, M. incognita, P. neglectus, M. javanica, M. arenaria and M. hapla were detected in 98.73%, 88.60%, 65.82%, 34.17%, 22.78% and 5.06% of samples, respectively. Results showed combination of different PPN species in the soil of greenhouses where cut flowers were grown. These findings may be used to improve management practices, reducing losses in cut flower production.