Molecular Identification of Root-knot Nematode Species (Meloidogyne spp.) on Lavandin of Isparta and Burdur Provinces in Turkey

This study was conducted to identification and distribution Root-knot nematode species in lavender fields where Lavandin (Lavandula × intermedia Emeric ex Loisel. var. Super) was cultivated in an area of about 625 ha in Isparta and Burdur Provinces of Turkey. A total of 60 samples were collected in autumn of 2020. Root knot nematode species molecular identification was determined by species-specific primers from egg masses. The 17 samples taken from cultivated lavender fields were found to be infected with Root knot nematode. As a result of molecular identification, 12 of them were found to be Meloidogyne incognita, while 5 of them were found to be M. arenaria. This the first report of infestation of lavender by M. incognita in Turkey. It was determined that Keçiborlu district in Isparta Province where lavender is most cultivated was infected with Root-knot nematode. While 7 samples of M. incognita were detected in Keçiborlu district, 3 of them were M. arenaria.