Distribution and characterization of the root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne javanica (Treub, 1885) Chitwood, 1949 (Meloidogynidae) isolates, in some regions of two main pistachio growing provinces of Iran

Fatemeh Shekari Mahoonaki; Esmat Mahdikhani Moghadam; Mohammad Reza Atighi; Mohammad Zakiaghl; Fatemeh Bazeghi; Majid Pedram

doi:10.2478/jofnem-2026-0015

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Distribution and characterization of the root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne javanica (Treub, 1885) Chitwood, 1949 (Meloidogynidae) isolates, in some regions of two main pistachio growing provinces of Iran

Journal of Nematology

Volume 58 (2026): Issue 1 (February 2026)

By: Fatemeh Shekari Mahoonaki, Esmat Mahdikhani Moghadam, Mohammad Reza Atighi, Mohammad Zakiaghl, Fatemeh Bazeghi and Majid Pedram

Open Access

|May 2026

Abstract

Pistachio is one of the most economically important horticultural crops worldwide, and its yield is annually reduced due to damages caused by root-knot nematodes (RKNs). To identify the species of RKNs associated with pistachio trees in Kerman and Khorasan Razavi provinces of Iran, 84 localities were investigated and 37 isolates of the predominant species, Meloidogyne javanica, were identified based on the perineal pattern of females and species-specific primers Fjav and Rjav. Eight isolates (KS1-1, KS1-10, KN7-1, KR3-1, KR8-1, KSh1-1, KhF1-4, and KhF2-1) were further characterized using morphological, morphometric, and molecular data (Small subunit [SSU] rDNA, COII-16S, and NADH dehydrogenase subunit 5 [Nad5] mtDNA sequences). The SSU sequences of these eight isolates showed over 98% identity with several sequences of tropical Meloidogyne species. The COII-16S and Nad5 sequences displayed 99.63 and 100% identity with other available M. javanica sequences, respectively. This study provided, for the first time, comprehensive morphometric, molecular, and geographical distribution data of M. javanica isolates parasitizing pistachio in two main pistachio-producing provinces of Iran. Based on the results of this research, the prevalence of M. javanica in the pistachio orchards of the studied regions was 44.04%, indicating its widespread distribution. Rafsanjan in Kerman province and Mahvelat in Khorasan Razavi province were two highly infested cities based on the present study. Therefore, regular monitoring is essential for effective management of this pest.

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Articles in this issue

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/jofnem-2026-0015 | Journal eISSN: 2640-396X | Journal ISSN: 0022-300X

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Language: English

Page range: 189 - 207

Submitted on: Jun 5, 2025

Accepted on: Apr 24, 2026

Published on: May 29, 2026

Published by: Society of Nematologists, Inc.

In partnership with: Paradigm Publishing Services

Publication frequency: 1 issue per year

Keywords:

Kerman,

RKNs,

Related subjects:

© 2026 Fatemeh Shekari Mahoonaki, Esmat Mahdikhani Moghadam, Mohammad Reza Atighi, Mohammad Zakiaghl, Fatemeh Bazeghi, Majid Pedram, published by Society of Nematologists, Inc.
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 License.

Volume 58 (2026): Issue 1 (February 2026)