Morphological and Molecular Characterization of () Populations Parasitizing Pistachio in Kerman and Khorasan Razavi Provinces, Iran.

Root-knot nematodes (RKNs) are the most destructive nematode species in main pistachio cultivation areas of Iran, and adversely affect crop quality and yield. So far, and have been reported infecting pistachio. In this study, four populations of were found infecting pistachio in Kerman and Khorasan Razavi provinces. The morphology and morphometrics of the recovered populations closely match the data given for other populations of the species. Molecular characterization of the recovered populations was performed by sequencing three genomic and mitochondrial regions, including D2-D3 of LSU rDNA, and mtDNA. The D2-D3 sequences had more than 99% identity with many sequences of tropical species. The sequences had more than 99% identity with sequences of , and . The sequences had 99.81% identity with some sequences of . The D2-D3 and sequences of did not form independent clades in corresponding Bayesian trees, but sequences formed a monophyletic group in corresponding phylogeny. Based on this study, is present in Iran's pistachio gardens, necessitating appropriate management measures.