Pasinler Ovası Ayçiçeği Üretim Alanlarında Bitki Paraziti Nematodların Cins Düzeyinde Dağılımı

Plant-parasitic nematodes cause significant yield losses in sunflower (Helianthus annuus) production by damaging the

root and vascular tissues. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence and genus-level distribution of these

nematodes in sunflower cultivation areas of the Pasinler Plain. During the 2024–2025 harvest seasons, a total of 55 soil

samples were collected over two consecutive years. Nematode isolation from soil samples was performed using the

Baermann funnel method, and the obtained nematodes were examined under a light microscope for genus-level

identification and quantification. The counts at the genus level were based on the number of individuals per 100 g of soil.

Plant-parasitic nematodes were detected in all 55 samples (100% prevalence). Among the economically important genera,

Pratylenchus and Ditylenchus were predominant. In addition, Pratylenchoides, Paratylenchus, Merlinius,

Helicotylenchus, and Zygotylenchus were also identified. These results reveal that plant-parasitic nematodes occur at high

population densities in the sunflower production areas of the Pasinler Plain and provide a crucial baseline for assessing

potential nematode-induced yield losses and developing effective region-specific management strategies.