Panagrolaimus genus is a group of entomophilic nematodes which play roles in comparative evolution of development studies. This genus constitutes the only nematode taxon in which three different reproductive modes (gonochoristic, hermaphroditic and parthenogenetic) have been reported. More recently this group has emerged as a model for understanding the physiological and molecular mechanisms underlying anhydrobiosis and extreme cold tolerance. Nematodes of the genus Panagrellus have already been used as food for larvae of a number of fish and shrimp species. In a study to assess the biodiversity of entomopathogenic nematode in the khorasan province (Mashhad city), some soil samples were collected. Entomopathogenic nematodes were extracted from soil samples using larvae of Galleria mellonella. The dead larvae were transferred to White trap, afterwards the extracted nematodes were used for morphometrical and molecular identification. Based on morphological characters of females, males and larvae, this population recognized as Panagrolaimus cf rigidus, belongs to the family Panagrolaimidae. PCR and sequencing result of ITS region of rDNA confmned that this identification. Phylogenetic analysis based on NJ methods revealed that the Iranian population of Panagrolaimus cf rigidus and other isolate of this species form a clade with 99 bootstrap support value. Mean intraspecific distance of ITS sequences was 0. 5% (range. 0.002- 1.62%) which interspecific distance 0.377 to L.l 28. On behalf of parasitic behavior of this species, more survey on its potential in biocontrol is required.

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