Morphological and Morphometrical Characterization of the Nematode Genus Filenchus spp. Associated with Olive Trees in Iraq

Abstract

Abstract A field survey was conducted for selected olive farms in the Basheeqa and Al-Fadhiliya districts in Nineveh Governorate - Iraq. The results of this research recorded the parasitism of the nematode Filenchus spp . on the roots of olive trees in the tested fields. The morphological and morphometric results of the tested specimens described the most important characteristics of the adults of this species that can be relied upon in diagnosing this species. The body length of adult females ranged between 513.4-710.8 microns and its width 12-28 microns, and the body length ranged from 531-661 microns and the body width was 15-20 microns in males, respectively. The stylet is stomato stylet type and it is 8.9-11.18 microns long and has clear knobs. The esophagus is of the Tylenchoid type, 80.0-121.0 microns long in females and 118-129 microns in males, with a structured median bulb. Cuticle, the body is smooth in outline, and the lateral fields contain four clear lines. The female reproductive system is anteriorly straight and monodelphic, consisting of a single ovary extending with eggs in a single row. The filamentous tail is 76-130 microns long in females and 65-97 microns in males. The male reproductive system is monorchic and the testicle is continuous tubular. The spicules are 14-17 microns long. The morphological and morphometric diagnostic results are similar to the genus Filenchus spp . This is the first recording of this genus on olive trees in Iraq, as the provided sources did not indicate that it had been recorded previously.

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