Nematode biodiversity in cereal growing areas of Bolu, Turkey

Abstract

Agricultural fields usually contain both plant parasitic and beneficial free-living nematodes. Plant parasitic nematodes have a negative impact on plant productivity and quality traits, whereas free-living nematodes can have beneficial effects on the agricultural soils health. This study was conducted to investigate the diversity of both plant parasitic nematodes and beneficial free-living nematode. Soil samples were collected in 2015 from wheat growing areas of Bolu Province to investigate soil nematode diversity. Bolu Province was divided into two sub-areas according to elevational. Forty-three nematode taxa were found in the samples; 13 taxa plant parasites, 12 bacterivores, 4 fungivores, 10 omnivores and 4 predators. Relative distribution of nematode trophic groups indicated a bacterivore dominated community, followed by plant parasites, fungivores and omnivores; predators represented only a small proportion. Free-living nematodes, especially bacterivores of basal fauna members and large bodied omnivore members were in good condition in abundance and diversity. General community and maturity indices were calculated for each sample and for the two sub-areas. They produced narrow range values with no significant differences. The study revealed that soil food web in wheat growing areas of the province was in fair to good condition based on nematode diversity.