Evaluation of two free-living, and one entomopathogenic nematode species (Rhabditida) for controlling (Diptera: Tephritidae) in Iraq.

Fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) are among the most serious agricultural pests globally, causing significant economic losses in fruit production and posing major quarantine concerns for many countries. , one of the most harmful species in the family Tephritidae, has recently established in Iraq. Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) and potential EPNs can be used as vital tools in integrated pest management (IPM) programs for both organic and conventional production systems.

First record of () (Rhabditida: Rhabditidae) from Iran; and its efficacy against two economic forest trees pests, (Walker, 1859) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) and () (Lepidoptera: Erebidae) in laboratory condition.

The box tree moth (BTM), and the fall webworm (FWW), are two invasive pests of forest trees that have been recorded from Hyracinan forests in north Iran for the first time in 2016 and 2002, respectively. In a search for tentative native entomopathogenic nematode species (EPNs) with potential biocontrol ability against lepidopteran pests of forest trees in north Iran, was isolated by soil-baiting method from forests of Amlash in the east of Gilan province. The Iranian isolate of this species is characterized by 870-1,247 μm long hermaphrodites having 17-20 μm long stoma, vulva at 45.