Ecological and trophic composition of nematodofauna of intensive apple (Malus domestica) orchards and features of its formation
Annotatsiya
The purpose of the research is to study determine the ecological composition of nematodofauna of intensive apple ( Malus domestica ) orchards; analysis of the degree of occurrence and dominance of parasitic nematodafauna species in biotopes; identification of factors influencing the formation of nematodofauna. Materials and methods . Low-growing apple varieties Gransment and Golden Delicious were selected for the study. Samples were collected during 2023–2024 in intensive apple orchards created in the middle part of the Zarafshan Valley, in the Samarkand region. The obtained individual samples of the root system, root soil at a depth of 0-15 and 15-30 cm of each plant (50 g of each soil sample) were analyzed for the presence of nematodes. In laboratory conditions, the Baerman funnel method was used to isolate nematodes. When identifying species, a formula based on morphometric indicators recommended by de Man, as well as phytohelminthological identifiers were used. Classification of nematodes by ecological groups was based on the classification recommended by Yeates et al. Results and discussion . When analyzing nematodes isolated from the root system and rhizosphere soil of apple trees, 1277 individuals belonging to 54 species were identified. The identified nematode species were divided into several ecological-trophic groups based on their feeding characteristics and the degree of connection with plants. The studied nematode fauna included 20 species of parasitic nematodes. These parasitic nematodes, in turn, are divided into several smaller groups depending on their feeding characteristics. It was found that endoparasites of the genera Ditylenchus, Pratylenchus and ectoparasites of the genera Xiphinema and Merlinius are relatively widespread among parasitic nematodes. Also, among these species, Longidorus arenosus and L. olegi were found, which are registered as new species for the nematode fauna of Uzbekistan. The research also revealed factors influencing the formation of the nematode community.