Nematofauna associada ao cultivo comercial de mamoeiro e considerações sobre amostragem em campos infestados com Meloidogyne sp. e Rotylenchulus sp

Abstract

More than 35 species of plant parasitic nematodes are reported associated with papaya (Carica papaya) being the root-knot nematodes one of the most important. These populations occur in polyspecific communities and different densities depending on cultivars, host stress and physical, chemical and biological soil properties. The present study had the objectives of describing nematode community structure associated with papaya croping in soil infested with Meloidogyne sp. in Mamanguape, Paraíba, and evaluating number of samples and pattern for soil colllection in order to monitore Meloidogyne sp. and Rotylenchulus sp. population density in field. Samplings were carried out in three areas with different population levels of root-knot and reniform nematodes. In each area, 5,776 m2 was split in 400 (20 × 20) squares of 14.44 m2 (3.8 × 3.8 m), containing three plants. Evaluations for nematode community structure based upon nematode community indexes: maturity index (MI), plant parasitic index (PPI) and modified maturityindex (MMI), and nematode trophic group ratios. It was simulated collecting samples in “X”, diamond, parallel lines, parallel rows, inverted “V”, zig-zag, inverted “W”, “degree”, “S”, randomly and in ordinary walking in order to select diagram pattern for sampling. For sample size evaluation, all diagram patterns were used changing the number of samples (40, 30 e 20) in each area. Population density (specimes/300cm3 soil) of both nematodes were predicted according to size and diagram of sampling and compared through Kruskal-Wallis test at 5% probability level. In areas 1 and 3 there was predominance of plant parasitic nematodes, 43.84 and 39.95 % respectively, especially Rotylenchulus sp. In area 2, Meloidogyne was the taxon of highest dominance among the plant parasitic nematodes. Inthe three areas MI and MMI were high (> 30%) and PPI ranged from 20.95 to 32.88%. Twenty samples per area were indicated for both nematode genus, being recommended to collect the samples randomly, in parallel bars, or in diamond for monitoring Meloidogyne sp. and in parallel bars or parallel lines for Rotylenchulus sp