Diversity of plant-parasitic nematodes associated with chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) in the main growing areas of Ethiopia

Summary – Chickpea is one of the most important legume crops in Ethiopia; however, its production is far below the mean international chickpea production due to biotic and abiotic stressors. Plant-parasitic nematode infestation is extensive in chickpea-growing areas worldwide. The distribution and population density of plant-parasitic nematodes in chickpea were determined during the September-December 2021 growing season. Ten plant-parasitic nematode taxa were identified from 27 localities across ten districts in the main chickpea-growing areas in Ethiopia. Pratylenchus had the highest prominence values, followed by Rotylenchulus and Meloidogyne spp. Helicotylenchus, Hoplolaimus, Scutellonema and Quinisulcius were more prevalent than Criconemoides and Ditylenchus. Sequences of different molecular markers, including D2-D3 of 28S rDNA, ITS of rDNA, and COI and Nad5 of mtDNA, revealed the presence of Meloidogyne javanica, Rotylenchulus parvus, Scutellonema clathricaudatum and Helicotylenchus caudatus. Helicotylenchus caudatus and R. parvus are the first reports from Ethiopia and chickpea, while S. clathricaudatum is the first report for chickpea. This study provides essential baseline information of nematode pest occurrence on chickpea in Ethiopia. This information will raise awareness among growers, agricultural officers, and extension advisors, enabling them to develop effective nematode management strategies for the chickpea production system in Ethiopia.