Investigations of the Root-Knot Nematodes of the Genus Meloidogyne (Goeldi, 1887) on the Territories of Bulgaria and Russian Federation

The purpose of the research is analysis of data on the species and racial composition of pathogenic nematodes of the genus Meloidogyne in Bulgaria and Russia. Materials and methods. The analysis of own and literary data on the distribution of root-knot nematodes on the territory of two countries was carried out.Results and discussion. Five species of Meloidogyne both under open-field and greenhouse conditions in Bulgaria were established (M. incognita, M. arenaria, M. javanica, M. hapla and M. thamesi). They successfully develop under greenhouse and open-field conditions and invade vegetables and ornamental plants. M. javanica predominantly develops under greenhouse conditions, but in South-Western part of Bulgaria it reproduces itself under open-field conditions and is one of the usual species of plant parasitic nematodes there. M. hapla is widespread both under greenhouse and open-field conditions. First in Bulgaria race 1 of M.arenaria was found. Investigations of M. hapla race composition found statistically reliable differences (length of stylet, length of J2, some differences of knobs morphology). On the territory of Russian Federation five species belonging to Meloidogyne were found (M. incognita, M. arenaria, M. javanica, M. hapla and M. ardenensis). The first three species develop only under greenhouse conditions and damage vegetables and ornamental plants. M. hapla is distributed from the most North-Western regions of Russia to the North Caucasus It successfully develops on the roots of all except cucumbers. At the time being Meloidogyne ardenensis has been found only on the roots of birch tree. M. hapla is distributed on the territories of the two countries with numerous hosts and which is very important – it damages potatoes. The results obtained investigations of M. hapla race composition are important for choice of the best methods for prevention and control