Identification of Plant-Parasitic Nematodes in Mint and Parsley Cultivation Areas of Kahramankazan District, Ankara Province

Plant-parasitic nematodes (PPNs) are significant soil-borne pests that cause economic losses in mint (Mentha piperita L.) and parsley (Petroselinum crispum Mill.) farming. This study aimed to examine the PPN fauna in the Kahramankazan district of Ankara, Türkiye, where these crops are intensively cultivated. A total of 50 soil samples were collected from locations including Saray, Kumpınar, Yazıbeyli, Aydın, and Güvenç, and nematodes were isolated using a modified Baermann funnel method. The nematodes were identified based on their morphological characteristics. Important species such as Aphelenchus avenae, Basiria berylla, Helicotylenchus dihystera, Ditylenchus dipsaci, and Pratylenchus thornei were found. The most abundant genera were Helicotylenchus and Filenchus, detected in 88% and 86% of the infested samples, respectively. The least common genera were Psilenchus and Basiria at 28%. This study provides essential data for managing nematode problems in mint and parsley cultivation.