First record of the species Helicotylenchus crassatus Anderson, 1973 (Nematoda: Hoplolaimidae) in Iraq

Abstract

During a survey in Misan province, southern of Iraq, work was carried out to isolate and identify nematodes parasitizing ornamental plants in the Faculty of Agriculture gardens, targeting a selection of plants including Callistemon (bottlebrush), Eucalyptus, and Nerium (oleander). Known one species of plant-parastic nematodes of the family Hoplolaimidae were reported for the first time. The morphometric and morphological characters of Iraq in populations of this recovered species are discussed and illustrated based on morphological and morphometric data, also based on some important characteristics of species that can be used in taxonomic keys. The iraqin population of Helicotylenchus crassatus is some characterized by having ( a of 26.9-27.8 μm, V of 62.4-66.8 μm, M of 41.2-44.4μm, Stylet length of 25.8-28.7 μm and tail annuli of 7-9 μm. The tail has a short, pointed tip and bears 7 to 9 rings on its surface; phasmid is located between the anus and the tail tip. The morphometric and morphological characters of species are in agreement with those in original descriptions.