Re-emergence of wheat seed gall nematode (Anguina tritici) in Punjab, Pakistan

Abstract

The objective of the present study was to determine the latest distribution of wheat seed gall nematode Anguina tritici (Steinbuch) in Sargodha division of the Punjab province of Pakistan. The overall incidence of ear cockle of wheat in the division was found to be 1.2% while the overall prevalence was 27%. As regards districts, the maximum incidence was recorded in district Bhakkar followed by Khushab. Similarly, the maximum prevalence was observed in district Bhakkar followed by Sargodha while it was the minimum in district Khushab. The incidence of the nematode was found to be variable on different wheat cultivars. The maximum incidence was recorded on cultivar Chakwal-50 followed by Faisalabad-2008 and Lasani-2008 whereas the minimum incidence was observed on cultivars Punjab-2011 and Millat-2011. No incidence of the nematode was recorded on Shafaq-2006 and Aas-2011 cultivars. As the nematode was found prevalent throughout Sargodha division with quite low incidence, therefore, it is imperative to keep the nematode under constant surveillance and stringent control strategies should be adopted to prevent the nematode from becoming a threat to wheat. Similarly, no incidence of the nematode was recorded on Shafaq-2006 and Aas-2011 cultivars, therefore, cultivation of these cultivars should be encouraged.