First report of Ditylenchus dipsaci in Oman
Recently in Oman, garlic (Allium sativum) which is an important commercial crop, was found to be suffering from an unidentified disease. Diseased plants showed twisted and malformed leaves. In advanced stages, they showed chlorosis, premature wilting and drying and then die. In cases of severe infection, up to 75 % of the plants died within 3 months after planting. Surveys were carried out from December 1993 to April 1994, at Wadi Mistal (1200 m altitude) in the Batinah region and on the Bahla plains and Jabal Akhdar mountain (1800 m altitude). Ditylenchus dipsaci (EPPO A2 quarantine pest) has been found in infected garlic plants. In Oman, the nematode has been recognized as a major quarantine pest and measures have been taken by the Ministry of Agriculture to prevent further spread in the country. According to the EPPO Secretariat, this is the first report of D. dipsaci in Oman.
Sources
Al Zidgali, T.; Mani, A.; Al Hinai, M.S. (1994) Ditylenchus dipsaci, new nematode pest affecting garlic in Oman.
FAO Plant Protection Bulletin, 42(3), 154-155.