Populations of entomopathogenic nematodes in agricultural lands

Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) are known agents in pest biological control. Environmental factors can influence on populations of soil-inhabitant like EPNs agricultural lands. In the current study, after selecting a suitable study site (33.20-33.42 N and 48-48.55 E), soil sampling (250 samples) May to July 2019, infectious juveniles were extracted from samples according bait method. According occurrence EPNs-infected Galleria mellonella larvae, natural (%) was estimated, while considering characteristics (salinity acidity), region (altitude) type crop. Also, population incidence EPNs-positive G. larvae mortality by re-baiting. As results, seven found be per total samples. Natural EPNs, Steinernematidae Heterorhabditidae equal 2.8, 2, 0.8%, respectively. This variable under ranges area altitude, salinity acidity, crop type, so that highest lowest observed forage crops (4%), vegetables industrial fruit trees (2%), cereals (1.33%), There significant difference (P<0.05) EPNs҆ The lowest-highest obtained as 15.52-33.4% 7 conclusion, crop, altitude acidity play role level populations. These may have affected ecological properties