Density analysis of plant-parasitic nematodes associated with corn crop in South Sulawesi

Abstract

Plant damage by parasitic nematodes is less recognized by farmers and people working in agriculture because the symptoms of parasitic nematodes are generally non-specific, run very slowly, and often mix with symptoms by other pathogens. This study aims to determine the population density of plant parasitic nemetodes associated with several corn plantations in South Sulawesi. Sampling was carried out at several centers of corn plantations in South Sulawesi, namely Malakaji (Gowa), Bajeng (Gowa), Bontobili, Maros, and Soppeng. Nematode extraction was done by the simple modified Baerman method. The density of the plant parasitc nematode (PPN) community calculated was absolute community density, relative community density, absolute frequency, relative frequency, frequency of all nematodes, and dominance values. The highest PPN density was found in the Bontobili area with a dominance value of 47.60%. There were 8 genera of PPN that infested corn and spread to several corn plantations in South Sulawesi, namely Helicotylenchus, Pratylenchus, Longidorus, Xiphinema, Haplolaimus, Aphelencus, Tylenchus, and Meloidogyne. The results of this study can be used as a basis for monitoring pathogenic attacks on corn by farmers and other researchers.