Author: Z. Gill and K. Firoza

Publishing Date: 2014

E-ISSN: 0255-7576

Volume 32 Issue 1

ABSTRACT:

Nemicfauna survey from eight sites viz., Khairpur, Kingri, Kot Diji, Faiz Gunj, Thari Mir Wah, Gambat, Sobhodero and Nara revealed that twenty five plant parasitic and seven free-living soil nematode species associated with date palm plantations in district Khairpur, Sindh, Pakistan. Population density and frequency of all nematodes varied considerably at all surveyed sites. Occurrence of plant parasitic nematodes was found high at Gambat (33.3%) and low in Kingri (15.38%). In free-living soil nematodes Nara has found high (10%) and low in Kingri (3.84%). The dendrogram indicted that there was 4 groups of 8 localities in relation to 32 nematode species. Morphological and taxonomical studies indicated that all nematode genera and species have been identified and recorded for the first time from date palm orchards of Khairpur district. Merlinius nothus Allen, (1955) Siddiqi, 1980, is reported as a new record nematode species in Pakistan. It is briefly redescribed and illustrated herein.