Open Access

The cereal cyst nematodes (CCNs), Heterodera avenae, H. mani and H. zeae were first reported in spring wheat (Triticum aestivum) and maize (Zea mays) in 1981 in Pakistan. A new CCN species, Heterodera pakistanensis specific to wheat was also reported from Pakistan in 1986. Several surveys were carried out to assess the geographic distribution and estimate yield losses caused by CCNs. In 1986, a survey documented 40 nematode species associated with wheat and 22 with barley. The survey reported crop losses caused by various CCNs with 15-20% of the losses by H. avenae alone, which has emerged as a serious menace for wheat production worldwide. In the 2003-2004 survey, 39% of the surveyed area was found to be infested with cyst nematodes with relatively high distribution and host range of corn cyst nematode, H. zeae. To date, no molecular identification and phylogenic studies have been carried out for characterization of CCNs and their pathotypes in various geographical zones of Pakistan. However, recently at the plant nematology lab at University of Agriculture, Faisalabad started preliminary work on the molecular characterization of cyst nematodes associated with cereals and other crops. The genetic diversity for cereal cyst nematode resistance was assessed in spring wheat genotypes using RAPD and SSR markers by Erum et al. (2013). Moreover, the association of XGWM 301 locus with the presence of Cre3 gene was also worked out. Additionally Meloidogyne graminicola has also been isolated from rice and wheat plants from the rice growing areas of Central Punjab. It has been estimated that this nematode can cause 17-20% yield losses in rice. It is now being reported as an emerging threat to cereal crops in the areas where the rice-wheat-cropping system has existed for decades. This paper covers the status of cereal nematodes research in Pakistan and provides the prospects and recommendations for future research on nematodes to protect wheat and other cereals.

Global Wheat Program

INT3326

INT2918