Research Journal of Applied Sciences
ISSN: Online 1993-6079ISSN: Print 1815-932x
Abstract
This study investigates the presence and diversity of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) in soil samples collected from orchards across five regions of district Dir Lower, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. A total of 50 soil samples were collected from Tehsil Khall, Tehsil Adenzai, Tehsil Timergara, Tehsil Lal Qala and Tehsil Balambot, at a depth of 15‐20 cm. The baiting technique was employed to isolate EPNs, with the larvae exposed to soil samples in controlled conditions. The results revealed significant variation in EPN prevalence between regions. In Tehsil Khall, all 10 samples from peach orchards tested positive for Steinernema, indicating a 100% detection rate. In contrast, Tehsil Adenzai’s citrus orchards showed no EPN presence, with all 10 samples testing negative. Mixed results were observed in Tehsil Timergara, where Heterorhabditis species were found in 40% of the apricot orchards, while the rest tested negative. Tehsil Lal Qala exhibited a high detection rate, with 80% of citrus orchard samples testing positive for Steinernema. In Tehsil Balambot, diverse crops like okra, guava and figs exhibited varied EPN species, including Steinernema in okra and figs and Heterorhabditis in guava. Overall, this study highlights the significant role of environmental factors in determining the distribution of EPNs, with Steinernema dominating in certain areas, while Heterorhabditis was more common in others. The absence of EPNs in Tehsil Adenzai emphasizes the variability of nematode populations across different agricultural environments.
How to cite this article:
Madieha Ambreen, Fawad Khan, Abdul Haseeb and Inam Ullah. Spatial Distribution and Diversity of Entomopathogenic Nematodes in Orchards of Dir Lower.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36478/makrjas.2025.7.13
URL: https://www.makhillpublications.co/view-article/1815-932x/makrjas.2025.7.13