TAXONOMIC CRITERIA FOR THE MORPHOMETRIC DIAGNOSIS OF NEMATODES IN THE ROOTS AND RHIZOSPHERE OF DOG ROSE (ROSA CANINA L.)

Reliable identification of nematodes found in dog rose roots and rhizosphere soil requires the assessment of their morphological characteristics in combination with standardized measurements. This article analyzes the taxonomic potential of morphometric methods within the framework of faunistic observations of nematodes associated with medicinal plants in the Surkhandarya region. Body length and width, the esophagus and tail regions, stylet structure, reproductive system, and De Man indices are described as individual diagnostic criteria. The importance of specimen preparation, individual selection, measurement uncertainty, and combinations of morphological characteristics in distinguishing closely related taxa is also demonstrated. The analysis substantiates that identifying nematodes based solely on a single measurement or feeding group is insufficient; taxonomic decisions should rely on agreement among several independent characteristics.