Characterizing races of Meloidogyne incognita, M. javanica and M. arenaria in the West Mediterranean region of Turkey

A total of 95 samples of Meloidogyne incognita (60), Meloidogyne javanica (28) and Meloidogyne arenaria (7) collected from West Mediterranean region of Turkey were tested for identifying races of the nematodes using the North Carolina Differential Host Test. Races 2 and 6 of M. incognita were identified in 58 and 2 samples, respectively. Race 1 of M. javanica was identified from all 28 samples. Races 2 and 3 of M. arenaria were identified in 5 and 2 samples, respectively. The results also showed that two races of M. incognita and all races of M. javanica did not attack on pepper cv. California Wonder. These findings may contribute to improving resistant varieties and may also provide basis for developing a cropping system to control root-knot nematodes.

Research highlights
► Knowledge of root-knot nematodes races is important for vegetable growing in Turkey.
► The objective of the study was to determine root-knot nematode races in vegetable growing areas.
► The study indicated that M. incognita race 2, M. javanica race 1 and M. arenaria race 2 were present.
► The study showed M. incognita race 6 and M. arenaria race 3 were new races of root-knot nematodes.
► The results indicated both some virulent M. incognita and all M. javanica did not reproduce on pepper.