Stock S Patricia, Al Banna Luma, Darwish Rula, Katbeh Ahmad
Department of Entomology, University of Arizona, Forbes 410, 1140 E. South Campus, Dr. Tucson, AZ 85721-0036, USA.
J Invertebr Pathol. 2008 Jun;98(2):228-34. doi: 10.1016/j.jip.2008.01.003. Epub 2008 Jan 16.
Until now, only a few systematic surveys of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPN) have been conducted in Middle Eastern countries. Many of the recovered EPN species in this region have shown to own distinctive qualities that enable their survival in unique environments, such as high temperatures and low moisture levels tolerance. These new species and strains, with unique environmental tolerances, are more suitable for their consideration in pest management programs in xerophytic regions. With this background in mind, we recently conducted a survey of EPN in Jordan. This study records for the first time the diversity and distribution of these nematodes and their bacterial symbionts in this country. Jordan's three geographic regions: (1) the highlands, (2) Jordan valley and (3) the desert region were sampled. Within each region, natural habitats and agricultural regions characteristic to each region were considered for sampling purposes. Four EPN species including three Steinernema and one Heterorhabditis were recovered. Nematodes were identified using a combination of molecular markers and classic morphological diagnostic tools. Bacterial symbionts were identified by analysis of 16S rRNA sequences. Abiotic characteristics such as soil type, soil pH, and elevation were also recorded. We herein report the diversity of EPN species in Jordan and discuss their potential in Biocontrol and IPM programs for this country.
到目前为止，中东国家仅对昆虫病原线虫（EPN）进行了少量系统调查。该地区许多已发现的EPN物种都表现出独特的特性，使其能够在高温和低湿度等独特环境中生存。这些具有独特环境耐受性的新物种和菌株，更适合在旱生植物地区的害虫管理计划中加以考虑。基于这一背景，我们最近在约旦开展了一项EPN调查。本研究首次记录了该国这些线虫及其细菌共生体的多样性和分布情况。对约旦的三个地理区域进行了采样：（1）高地，（2）约旦河谷，（3）沙漠地区。在每个区域内，为采样目的考虑了每个区域特有的自然栖息地和农业区域。共发现了四种EPN物种，包括三种斯氏线虫属和一种异小杆线虫属。利用分子标记和经典形态诊断工具相结合的方法对线虫进行了鉴定。通过分析16S rRNA序列鉴定细菌共生体。还记录了土壤类型、土壤pH值和海拔等非生物特征。我们在此报告约旦EPN物种的多样性，并讨论它们在该国生物防治和综合虫害管理计划中的潜力。
