Distribution of Steinernematids and Heterorhabditids (Rhabditida: Steinernematidae and Heterorhabditidae) in the Southern Anatolia Region of Turkey

This study was conducted to isolate and identify entomopathogenic nematode (EPN) species in different agricultural areas in the Southern Anatolia region of Turkey. Out of 193 soil samples, 20 (10.33%) turned out to be positive for the presence of EPNs, belonging to the genera Steinernema and Heterorhabditis. Morphological and molecular (ITS-RDNA) characterizations were performed for the 20 EPN isolates. Six isolates were identified as H. bacteriophora, 2 as H indica and 6 as S. feltiae. Two isolates were undescribed Steinernemas pecies. H. indica was recorded for the first time in the southern Anatolia region of Turkey. Molecular analysis confirmed the morphological identification of Heterorhabditidae and Steinernematidae species. Comparative analysis of the ITS sequences revealed interspecific polymorphism among the tested isolates. Additionally, intraspecific polymorphism was observed within S. feltiaeand H bacteriophorapopulations, but no intraspecific polymorphism was detected in the H indicapopulation.