Nematodes associated with the rhizosphere of corn (Zea mays L.)

The research was carried out during 1999 in 8 different localities in Northern Italy. The nematodes were extracted from soil samples of rhizosphere of corn plants (Zea mays L.). The objective of the study was to investigate plant-parasite nematodes associated with maize. Some phytophagous genera are common pests of this crop and its yield-loss are often due to their high densities. In addition the nematode community was investigated for the genus composition, the trophic structure and its biodiversity. After the extraction from soil with a Bearmann funnel and Ludox centrifugation, nematodes were identified at genus level. They belonged to 22 families and 45 different genera. The genus Rhabditis, Pratylenchus, Helicotylenchus and Acrobeloides made up more than 70% of the total nematodes collected. The dominant trophic group was the bacterial feeders (61%) in particular Rhabditis, that was the most abundant and often the dominant one. Phytophagous represented in almost all fields more than 30% of the total nematodes. In all the examined sites biodiversity was quite low, being the H' values no more than 1.08. The data indicates a high level of disturbance. In some localities high densities of Helicotylenchus and Pratylenchus were found. While these nematodes have been identified as being potentially harmful for corn plants in our latitudes, especially in light soils, this research could give an indication for further monitoring studies regarding plant parasitic nematodes of corn crops. This data is particularly important considering that methyl bromide, often used in Italian agriculture against soil pathogens, has been banned since the beginning of 2005.