Nematology in Jordan

There are two nematology laboratories in Jordan. The first is located in the central Jordan Valley and administered by the Ministry of Agriculture. It is moderately equipped and supervised by an M.Sc. degree holder in nematology, assisted by two laboratory technicians. The main duties of this laboratory include examination of soil and plant samples received from farmers and identification of nematodes in order to make recommendations for their control; sometimes staff work on certain aspects of nematode research in the field. The second laboratory is located in the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Jordan, in Amman. This laboratory is involved in teaching and research functions. It is currently supervised by a professor in nematology who holds a doctorate degree, assisted by a research assistant and laboratory technicians.

The first report on plant-parasitic nematodes in Jordan was made by the author in 1963. In subsequent years several surveys were made that demonstrated the presence of a large number of nematode genera and species affecting crops planted in the various areas, especially under irrigation. The impact of several genera of nematodes, e.g. Meloidogyne, Pratylenchus, Helicotylenchus, Ditylenchus and others, is substantial.

However, the root-knot nematode has received the greatest attention on the part of farmers and technical personnel alike.

Almost all nematological work in Jordan in areas of research and education is currently carried out at the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Jordan. Research involves nematode surveys and investigations on the biology, ecology, host-parasite relationships and control of several plant-parasitic nematodes, especially species of Meloidogyne.

In the area of teaching, official courses in plant nematology are given only at the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Jordan. One obligatory course, Plant nematology (three credit hours), is given to all B.Sc. senior students in the Department of Plant Protection. Another two advanced courses which include Identification of phytonematodes (two credit hours) and Economic nematology (three credit hours) are given to all graduate students in plant nematology. Also, in the Plant Protection Department there is a graduate programme in nematology, from which 15 students have so far graduated with master's degrees, and the programme is still ongoing. The nematology group at the University of Jordan also offers services to farmers, receiving samples, giving recommendations, carrying out demonstrations and giving lectures in extension centres and providing nematology information through various information media.

In comparison with other disciplines in plant protection, nematology is receiving much less attention than that given to entomology or plant diseases caused by fungi. However, it stands on an equal footing with plant virology or acarology. Actual nematology work at the Ministry of Agriculture is receiving minimal attention. This is probably due to a lack of senior nematologists among technical staff.