First report of root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita on calendula in Turkey

Calendula officinalis L. (Asteraceae) is a traditional medicinal plant called pot marigold or English marigold. In this study, galled roots of pot marigold were collected from Balikesir province of Turkey and egg masses were picked up from the roots of each plant with fine forceps. DNA was then extracted from samples and analyzed by species-specific primers referring to the most common Meloidogyne spp. Our results showed that Meloidogyne incognita was found as the only species in all the samples taken. The determination of M. incognita on calendula was done for the first time in Turkey.