THE OCCURRENCE OF DITYLENCHUS DESTRUCTOR NEMATODE ON POTATO IN IRAN

The distribution of free-living nematodes in potato production areas in three geographical regions in Iran was investigated. Ditylenchus destructor was distributed in Hamedan, Isfahan and Zanjan provinces. Proper identification of nematode species and isolates is crucial to choose effective and sustainable management strategies for nematode infection. To verify species identification, populations of D. destructor were tested for differences using classical morphometric features. Molecular techniques used to approve the diagnosis. Sequence analysis of the DNA was used to develop a phylogenetic relationship of the studied populations.