COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF SOIL AND POTATO NEMATODE POPULATIONS FROM TWO AGRO-ECOLOGICAL ZONES

The present study investigates the diversity and distribution of nematodes associated with potato (Solanum tuberosum) in two important potato-growing regions of Vaishali district, Bihar Mahnar and Lalganj. Both plant-parasitic and free-living nematodes were isolated from rhizospheric soil and root samples collected during the rabi season. The aim was to identify nematode genera present in these regions and assess their ecological and agricultural significance.Nematodes were extracted using Cobbs sieving and decanting method along with the Baermann funnel technique. Morphological identification revealed the presence of diverse nematode communities. Among the plant-parasitic nematodes, Meloidogyne spp. (root-knot nematodes) were the most dominant, particularly in Lalganj, where they were associated with galling and reduced plant vigor. Other parasitic genera included Pratylenchus, Tylenchorhynchus, Helicotylenchus, and Hoplolaimus. Free-living nematodes identified included Rhabditis, Cephalobus, Mononchus, and Dorylaimus. These nematodes are beneficial for soil health due to their roles in nutrient cycling, microbial regulation, and organic matter decomposition. Mahnar samples showed a higher diversity and abundance of free-living nematodes, suggesting better soil health compared to Lalganj. This comparative study highlights the nematode-related challenges faced by farmers in both regions and emphasizes the need for integrated nematode management (INM) strategies to minimize crop losses and promote sustainable potato production.The present study investigates the diversity and distribution of nematodes associated with potato (Solanum tuberosum) in two important potato-growing regions of Vaishali district, Bihar Mahnar and Lalganj. Both plant-parasitic and free-living nematodes were isolated from rhizospheric soil and root samples collected during the rabi season. The aim was to identify nematode genera present in these regions and assess their ecological and agricultural significance.Nematodes were extracted using Cobbs sieving and decanting method along with the Baermann funnel technique. Morphological identification revealed the presence of diverse nematode communities. Among the plant-parasitic nematodes, Meloidogyne spp. (root-knot nematodes) were the most dominant, particularly in Lalganj, where they were associated with galling and reduced plant vigor. Other parasitic genera included Pratylenchus, Tylenchorhynchus, Helicotylenchus, and Hoplolaimus. Free-living nematodes identified included Rhabditis, Cephalobus, Mononchus, and Dorylaimus. These nematodes are beneficial for soil health due to their roles in nutrient cycling, microbial regulation, and organic matter decomposition. Mahnar samples showed a higher diversity and abundance of free-living nematodes, suggesting better soil health compared to Lalganj. This comparative study highlights the nematode-related challenges faced by farmers in both regions and emphasizes the need for integrated nematode management (INM) strategies to minimize crop losses and promote sustainable potato production.