Description of Cephalenchus regia n. sp. associated with Walnut (Juglans regia) from Lawat Kundiyan, District Neelum, Azad Kashmir, Pakistan

Abstract

Lawat Valley is one of the greenest valleys in Neelum District, situated near the bank of the Neelum River in Azad Kashmir, Pakistan. Surveys were conducted from seven different localities in the Lawat area of Neelum district during 2018-2020. A total of 250 samples of soil and roots were collected from areas where various fruits and vegetables were grown at a depth of 10-20 cm. The main objective of the survey was to study pathogenic nematodes and observe the incidence of diseases caused by parasitic nematodes. From Lawat Kundian, six nematode species were identified in apricot trees, and seven were identified in walnut trees, including a newly identified species, Cephalenchus regia. C. regia n.sp. was found in the soil around the dry fruit of walnut (Juglans regia) in Lawat Kundian. It differs from other species in having a longer stylet, pharynx, and tail (22-24; 115-130; 150-200 µm, respectively), as well as an anteriorly situated vulva (57.4 - 62.5%)