| Summary: | The presence of plant-parasitic nematodes (PPNs) in cultivated areas is a limiting factor in achieving marketable crop yield. To control and alleviate the effects of these nematodes and determine appropriate management strategies, species-level identification is crucial. Therefore, we conducted a nematode diversity survey, which resulted in the detection of four <i>Ditylenchus</i> species in cultivated areas of southern Alberta, Canada. The recovered species had six lines in the lateral field, delicate stylets (>10 µm long), distinct postvulval uterine sacs, and pointed to rounded tail tips. The morphological and molecular characterization of these nematodes revealed their identity as <i>D. anchilisposomus</i>, <i>D. clarus</i>, <i>D. tenuidens</i> and <i>D. valveus</i>, all of which are members of the <i>D</i>. <i>triformis</i> group. All of the identified species were found to be new records in Canada except for <i>D. valveus</i>. Accurate <i>Ditylenchus</i> species identification is crucial because false-positive identification can result in the implementation of quarantine measures over the detected area. Our current study not only documented the presence of <i>Ditylenchus</i> species from southern Alberta, but also described their morpho-molecular characteristics and subsequent phylogenetic relationships with related species. The results of our study will aid in the decision on whether these species should become a part of nematode management programs since nontarget species can become pests due to changes in cropping patterns or climate.
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