Survey and Distribution of Plant Parasitic Nematodes Infecting Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) in Jhansi, (India)

Survey and Distribution of Plant Parasitic Nematodes Infecting Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) in Jhansi, (India) | Research Square window.SnipcartSettings = { analytics: { enabled: false } }; (function() { var accessVector = localStorage.getItem('access_vector') || ''; window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; if (accessVector) { window.dataLayer.push({ user: { profile: { profileInfo: { snid: accessVector } } } }); } })(); (function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start':new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src='https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f);})(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-K279D39R'); Browse Preprints In Review Journals COVID-19 Preprints AJE Video Bytes Research Tools Research Promotion AJE Professional Editing AJE Rubriq About Preprint Platform In Review Editorial Policies Our Team Advisory Board Help Center Sign In Submit a Preprint Cite Share Download PDF Research Article Survey and Distribution of Plant Parasitic Nematodes Infecting Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) in Jhansi, (India) Manvendra Singh Sengar, Abha Sachan, Rajesh K Pandey, Shailendra Kumar, and 1 more This is a preprint; it has not been peer reviewed by a journal. https://doi.org/ 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3316381/v1 This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License Status: Under Review Version 1 posted 5 You are reading this latest preprint version Abstract Tomato ( Lycopersicon esculentum ) is an important high-value vegetable crop and acts as a natural medicine that alleviates the risk of a condition such as cancer and cardiovascular disease. Plant parasitic nematodes are obligate biotrophic feeders that cause the most devastating phytoeconomic damage to tomato cultivation across the globe. Their infection may lead to a spectrum of disorders like stunting, necrosis, and wilting followed by lessening production. The present investigation embraces an extensive survey work (from October to December 2021) of three tomato crop production sites at Baruasagar in Jhansi and throws light on the occurrence, distribution, and genera diversity of parasitic nematodes in soil and root samples. The morphological identification of six genera Meloidogyne , Pratylenchus , Hoplolaimus , Helicotylenchus, Rotylenchulus, and Criconema was also undertaken in the study. The Root-knot nematodes ( Meloidogyne genus) and lesion nematodes ( Pratylenchus genus) were the most abundant PPNs in tomato crops. The study also highlighted the varying physicochemical properties of soil played a significant role in the abundance of nematode genera. Genera diversity Necrosis Physico-chemical Plant parasitic nematodes Tomato Figures Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 5 Figure 6 Figure 7 Figure 8 Figure 9 Figure 10 Figure 11 Figure 12 Figure 13 1. INTRODUCTION Nematodes are non-segmented thread-like triploblastic pseudocoelomate animals and survive in extreme ends of the environment including soil and roots. Nematodes feed on a variety of preys e.g. fungi, bacteria, protozoan, other nematodes, and plants. Plant parasitic nematodes (PPNs) feed mostly on the softer tissues of plant roots. A few less common ones feed on aboveground plant parts. Among the root feeders, certain nematodes are ectoparasites that feed from outside of the root and others are endoparasites that reside inside the root to attain nutrients. The nematodes are vermiform, limbless, cylindrical, elongated animals. Their body is covered with transparent epidermis and tapered at the ends. The inner hypodermis secretes the cuticle and is adhered with longitudinal muscles that allow only sinusoidal (snake-like) movement. Nematodes lack circulatory and respiratory systems but they obtain water and key metabolites from plants through their semi-permeable membrane. During parasitic adaptation, the absence of two vital systems allows them to grow in length and not in cross-section. Plant parasitic nematodes range from 250µm to 12mm in length and about 15–35 µm in width(Lambert and Bekal, 2002 ).The mouth is located at the anterior part of the body and has a spear-shaped stylet which works in a similar way as the hypodermic needle does. The pulsating movement of stylet punctures the cell wall to withdraw key metabolites from the plant tissues and releases cytokinin that controls cell division and orchestrates feeding site formation in the host plants(Siddique et al., 2015 ). It also provides an excellent opportunity for the invasion of secondary pathogens like viruses, bacteria, and fungi. Tomato ( Solanum lycopersicum ) is one of the most important vegetables in the world, second only to potato in terms of consumption (Panthee and Chen, 2009 ).In India, it is grown on nearly 80,000 hectares each year, accounting for 1.5 percent of the world's total area. The crop is a major source of lycopene, a dietary carotenoid (Di Mascioet al.,1998), which is known to combat cancer, heart disease, and premature aging (Wener, 2000 ). Tomato is also highly rich in vitamins A, B, and C and contains good amounts of potassium, iron, and phosphorus (Wener,2000). The crop is low in saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium. Cooking or processing makes it beneficial to health because it increases the bioavailability of lycopene as heating up tomato breaks down its cell walls and releases lycopene. The massive qualitative and quantitative loss of tomato crops occurs due to pests and diseases. Plant parasitic nematodes are the key menace in tomato production. They cause high levels of economic loss all over the world in a multitude of tomato crops. The PPNs infect the tomato crop by causing root necrosis, formation of root galls, stunted growth, yellowness of leaves, nutrient deficiency symptoms, and secondary infections. The present investigation is the first report on the occurrence of different PPNs genera on tomato crops at Baruasagar. It also highlights the correlation of the physicochemical properties of soil with the distribution of PPNs. 2. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 2.1 Nematode Survey Extensive survey work was undertaken from October – December 2021 to determine the presence and distribution of PPNs in the three sites at Baruasagar. The samples were collected from fields located in villages Harpura(S-1), Basvan(S-2), and Chitavar(S-3). Harpura is located at latitude 25.3851729 and longitude 78.7442586. Basvan is located at latitude 25.237912 and longitude 79.135156. Chitavar is located at latitude 25.444132 and longitude 78.567593. A total of 15 representative fields were sampled having a common variety known as Cherry tomato (Desi). From each field soil and root samples were collected from the rhizosphere of diseased desi tomato crops. The soil samples were collected from 15-20cm below the ground in a zigzag pattern of 10–12 plants/spots at random with the help of a scoop. Each sample consisted of 50g of soil and 1g of root. These soil samples were mixed thoroughly to form a representative sample of 200cc soil. The soil and root samples were immediately transferred to a polybag and sealed tightly with the help of a rubber band to minimize the loss of moisture in the soil and then brought to the Department of Zoology in Bipin Bihari P.G. College Jhansi for further investigation. A questionnaire was filled out in the survey field to obtain data like as the farmer’s name, crop variety, crop history, diseases, and management of crops. 2.2 Nematode Extraction and identification : Samples from each field were thoroughly mixed manually to make them homogenous. Nematodes were extracted from 200cc of soil and 5g of roots using the modified Baerman extraction tray method as described by Hooper et al., ( 2005 ). The infected roots of every sample were washed in tap water to get them free from soil particles. Then roots were chopped into small pieces transversely and placed in a glass flask filled with 100ml water. After 48 hrs of incubation, nematode suspensions from both soil and roots were collected and examined under a stereomicroscope (Ghizlane et al., 2020). One (1ml) of the nematode suspension was pipetted into a nematode counting plate and put under a stereomicroscope for counting. It was repeated thrice and the average was recorded. For optical microscopic analysis nematodes were killed with hot water and normal tap water in a 1:1 ratio, then fixed in 4%warm formaldehyde (Courtney et al., 1955 ) and kept in the cavity blocks for 48 hours. A slow dehydration procedure was adopted for the light microscopic study suggested by Seinhorst in 1959. The mounted PPNs were identified to genus level on the basis of morphological features as described by the dichotomous keys (Mai and Mullin, 1996), (Mai, 2018 ); (Meketeet et al., 2012) and (Siddiqi, 2000). Four main morphometric and morphological characters were known for identification like as – presence and size of the stylet, body length, body width, head and tail shape, and distribution of internal organ i.e. vulval position (Grover B. Cornejo – Condori et al. 2021). The images were captured with the trinocular microscope and dig eye camera (Dewinter capture pro software). 2.3 Physico- Chemical Analysis of Soil : The soil physico-chemical parameters were determined for each field using 500g of the composite soil according to Waswa, et al. 2020 . The soil analysis was carried out in R.S.T. Laboratoryin Jhansi, India using standard methods according to Anderson, J.M; et al.1993. The following soil parameters were analysedi.e. pH, electrical conductivity EC (µS/cm) using the 1:2.5 soil: water ratio methodology described by Richards, L.A. et al., 1954. organic carbon, nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium. 3. RESULTS Present investigation was undertaken on the Cherry tomato (Desi) at three sites S-1 (Harpura), S-2 (Basvan), and S-3 (Chitavar) and each sites had five different fields (R1-R5). During the investigation, the six genera of nematodes were observed and their systematic classification, feeding strategies, and infective stages have been mentioned in table 1. 3.1 Structural analysis of different genera of nematodes observed 3.1.1. Meloidogyne : The root knot nematode was discerned most prevalent in all three sites and their respective fields. The roots of the plant displayed the formation of gall in response to the presence of the Meloidogyne (Fig. 01). Second stage juvenile (J2) entered the root, modified the root cells near their head, and began to feed giant cell. Later, Juveniles developed into pear-shaped females which were partially or completely buried in root tissues. Figure 2A illustrated a vermiform male which was approximately 1–2 mm in length. The male had a rounded labial disc, stylet and basal nodules were clearly visible (Fig. 2B). Juvenile (J2) was observed straight in general and slightly curved when relaxed. The Lip framework was lightly sclerotized. The intestine as a part of the alimentary canal could be visualized in (Fig. 2C). The excretory pore was posterior to hemizonid. The tail was pointed with the terminal hyaline region and copulatory organ (CP) at its extreme end (Figs. 2D, E). 3.1.2 . Helicotylenchus : Helicotylenchus commonly known as spiral nematodes observed with key characteristic C-shaped in the relaxed stage (Fig. 3A). The stylet was large with strong basal nodules, robust, well- developed approximately 20–50 µm in length (Fig. 3B). The oesophageal gland observed less clear in fixed specimen than that of hoplolaimids, longest overlap in ventral. The vulva situated at around 60% (Fig. 3C). The tail found usually rounded (Fig. 3D). 3.1.3. Pratylenchus : Pratylenchus commonly known as lesion nematodes noticed with a cylindrical body (Fig. 4 A). The stylet was a well–developed and basal nodule with an oesophageal gland (Fig. 4 B). The oesophagus overlapped the intestine ventrally. The vulva region located in 65–85% (Fig. 3C). The tail shape was rounded and conical (Fig. 4 D). 3.1.4. Rotylenchulus : Rotylenchulus commonly known as reniform nematodes had a vermiform body and cephalic region high (Fig. 5 A). The immature female had well developed stylet and basal nodules with esophageal gland (Figs. 5 B,C). The vulva region was located at 65–70% (Figs. 5 D,E). The tail shape noticed bluntly rounded (Fig. 5 F). 3.1.5 . Criconema : Criconema nematode observed in a short, robust, and ventrally arched body (Fig. 6 A). Lip annules were larger and offset from body annules with 6 pseudolips and submedian lobes absent (Fig. 6 B). Anterior vulval lip was overhanging vulva. The juveniles were found with rows of scales and annulus (Figs. 6 C,D). The tail found conoid and pointed (Fig. 6 E) 3.1.6. Hoplolaimus : Female Hoplolaimus noticed as spiral and C shaped and 1–2 mm in length (Fig. 7 A). The stylet (20–50µm) was large, robust, and well developed (Fig. 7 B). Lip region offset form body, wide, anteriorly flattened, with clearly marked annuli, and with longitudinal stria. The oesophagus found overlapping in the intestine (Fig. 7 C). The lateral field observed indistinct (Fig. 7 D). The vulva region situated in a total length of 60% (Fig. 7 E). The tail was observed broadly rounded (Fig. 7 F). 3.2. Distribution of PPNs in the study sites in tomato soil rhizosphere: Data organized on MS Excel sheets and analyzed in the R programming language with the analysis of variance (ANOVA) technique at a 5% level of significance. Means significant separated by Tukey's HSD method at a 5% level of significance. In table-2, the p-value (0.016) < 0.05 indicated that all three sites differ significantly at a 5% level of significance, and site S-3 had a maximum mean of 2200 with a standard deviation of 495 followed by site S-2 which had mean value 1360 with standard deviation 365 and site S-1 found with a minimum value of mean 1240 and standard deviation 559. The error bar diagram with groups (Fig. 8A) mentioned that different letters on bars S-1 and S-3 made significant differences, whereas the same letters on bars S-1 and S-3 as well as on S-2 and S-3 depicted no significant differences regarding the mean values of PPNs. 3.2.1. Meloidogyne : The p-value (0.016) < 0.05 revealed that the distribution of Meloidogyne genera in all three sites had significant differences. The site S-3 (Chitavar) had maximum Meloidogyne genera on average 1777 with standard deviation 511, followed by S-2 (Basvan) mean 1080 with standard deviation 327. The site S-1 (Harpura) was found with a minimum value of mean 910 and standard deviation 400 (Table-2). The error bar diagram with groups (Fig. 8B) states that sites S-1 and S-3 have significant differences, but S-1 and S-2 as well as S-2 and S-3 do not have significant differences. 3.2.2. Helicotylenchus : The p-value (0.603) > 0.05 indicated that the distribution of Helicotylenchus genera in all three sites did not have significant differences on average, at 5% level of significance. Sites S-3 had a maximum value of mean 48 and standard deviation 26, followed by S-1 a mean 44 with standard deviation 28 and S-2 mean 32 and standard deviation 21 (Table-2). The error bar diagram (Fig. 8C) with the same letter on the bar also indicated that there were no significant differences amongst S-1, S-2, and S-3 regarding the mean population of Helicotylenchus genera. 3.2.3. Pratylenchus : The p-value (0.356) > 0.05 revealed that all three sites did not differ significantly at 5% level of significance based on mean population of Pratylenchus genera. Site S-3 had a maximum mean 277 and standard deviation 84, followed by S-1 with a mean 210 and standard deviation 143 and S-2 with a minimum mean 180 and standard deviation 76 (Table-2). The error-bar diagram (Fig. 9A) also indicated that there were no significant differences between S-1, S-2, and S-3. 3.2.4. Rotylenchulus : The P-value (0.056) > 0.05 revealed that all three sites did not differ significantly at 5% level of significance based on mean population of Rotylenchulus genera. Site S-3 had a maximum mean 101 and standard deviation 35, followed by S-2 with mean 51 and standard deviation 35. The S-1 was found with a minimum mean 50 and standard deviation 31 (Table-2). The error-bar diagram (Fig. 9B) also shows that there were no significant differences between S-1, S-2, and S-3. 3.2.5. Criconema : The P-value (0.472) > 0.05 enumerated that all three sites did not differ significantly at 5% level of significance based on mean population of genera Criconema. Site S-1 had maximum mean 14 and standard deviation 9 followed by site-2 with mean 9 with standard deviation 3. The site − 3 found with minimum value of mean 8 and standard deviation 6 (Table-2). The error-bar diagram (Fig. 9C) also referred that there was no significant difference among S-1, S-2, and S-3. 3.2.6. Hoplolaimus : The P-value (0.446) > 0.05 all three sites did not differ significantly at 5% level of significance based on mean population of genera Hoplolaimus . The site S-1 had maximum mean 8 and standard deviation 7 followed by site-2 which had mean 7 and standard deviation 7. The site S-3 was found with minimum value of mean 3 and standard deviation 1 (Table-2). The error-bar diagram (Fig. 9D) referred that there was no significant difference between S-1, S-2, and S-3. 3.3 : Distribution of FLNs in the study sites in tomato soil rhizosphere: Data was organised and summarized in MS Excel sheets and analysed using analysis of variance (ANOVA ) at 5% level of significant (p < 0.05) using R programming language for computing. Means significant were separated using Tukey’s HSD at 5% level of significant (p 0.000) indicated that all three sites differ significantly at 5% level of significant and site-2 had maximum mean 18 with standard deviation 2 followed by site-1 which had mean 8 with standard deviation 1. The site − 3 was found with minimum value of mean 6 and standard deviation 2 (Table-3). Bar diagram (Fig. 11A) referred that S-1 and S-2 followed by S-2 and S-3 were significant. There was no significant difference between S-1 and S-3. 3.3.1. Diplogaster : The P-value (0.00) < 0.05 revealed that all three sites differ significantly at 5% level of significance on the basis of mean population of diplogaster genera. The site-2 had maximum mean 12 and standard deviation 2 followed by site S-1 which had mean 4 with standard deviation 1. The site − 3 was found with minimum value of mean 3 and standard deviation 1 (Table-3). It was noticed in error bar diagram (Fig. 11B) that S-1 and S-2 followed by S-2 and S-3 were significant. There was no significant difference between S-1 and S-3. 3.3.2. Dorylaimus : The P-value (0.005) < 0.05 revealed that all three sites differ significantly at 5% level of significance on the basis of mean population of genera Dorylaimus . The site S-2 had maximum mean 3.8 and standard deviation 0.84 followed by site S-1 which had mean 2.6 and standard deviation 0.55. The site − 3 was found with minimum value of mean 2 and standard deviation 0.71 (Table-3). The error bar diagram (Fig. 11C) referred that S-2 and S-3 were significant. There was no significant difference between S-1 and S-3 followed by S-1 and S-2. 3.3.3. Mononchus : The P-value (0.005) < 0.05 revealed that all three sites differ significantly at 5% level of significance on the basis of the mean population of genera Mononchus . Site S-2 had a maximum mean of 2.2 and standard deviation of 0.45 followed by site-1 which had mean 1.2 and standard deviation 0.45. Site − 3 was found with a minimum value of mean 1.2 and standard deviation 0.45 (Table-3). The error bar diagram (Fig. 11D) referred that S-1 and S-2 followed by S-2 and S-3 differ significantly. There was no significant difference between S-1 and S-3. 3.4. C ultivation practices of tomato plants production in study sites The cultivation of tomato plants was small in all areas. There were 60% of the farmers who grew tomato plants on less than 0.3 acres and only 40% of the farmers used between 0.3- 1 acres of land. Different varieties of crops were grown in the previous three years in the field where tomato plants cultivated at present. The multiple crops were grown in 40%, vegetable crops 35%, cereal crops 8%, pulses 6%, Fruit crops 5%, medicinal crops 4% and grasses 2% (Fig. 12 ). There were 85% of farmers who did not know about nematodes attack while 10% of farmers had awareness of nematodes attack but 5% had no idea of it (Fig. 13 ). 3.5. Soil physicochemical characteristics in study sites: The physicochemical characteristics of soil at investigation sites presented in Table 4 . The higher pH in site S-1 was obtained than that of site S-2 and site S-3. The Nitrogen content was noticed quite high in S-1 in comparison to S-2 and S-3. The amount of phosphorous, potassium, and electrical conductivity (EC) was high on site-2 and site-3 in comparison to site S-1. The value of organic carbon (OC) was ascertained minimum at site S-3 than S-2 and S-1. Table 2 Mean and Standard deviation of PPNs genera from rhizosphere soils in the study sites. KEYS : Site-1 = Harpura, Site-2 = Basvan, Site-3 = Chitavar, N = Number of fields, S.D. = Standard deviation, Mel = Meloidogyne , Hel = Helicotylenchus , Pra = Pratylenchus , Rot = Rotylenchulus , Cri = Criconema , Hop = Hoplolaimus PPNs Sites N Mean S.D. Minimum Maximum p-value TN Site-1 5 1240 559.464 500 2000 0.016 Site-2 5 1360 364.692 800 1800 Site-3 5 2200 494.975 1500 2800 Total 15 1600 626.783 500 2800 Mel Site-1 5 910 400.625 400 1500 0.016 Site-2 5 1080 327.109 600 1500 Site-3 5 1777.4 510.751 1000 2275 Total 15 1255.8 549.429 400 2275 Hel Site-1 5 44 28.592 20 80 0.603 Site-2 5 32 21.679 20 70 Site-3 5 48 26.125 20 90 Total 15 41.33 24.746 20 90 Pra Site-1 5 210 143.178 50 400 0.356 Site-2 5 180 75.829 100 250 Site-3 5 277.6 83.942 200 400 Total 15 222.53 106.294 50 400 Rot Site-1 5 50 30.822 20 100 0.056 Site-2 5 51 35.426 15 100 Site-3 5 101 35.426 50 150 Total 15 67.33 39.949 15 150 Cri Site-1 5 13.8 9.257 3 25 0.472 Site-2 5 9.6 3.647 5 15 Site-3 5 8.6 6.618 3 20 Total 15 10.67 6.8 3 25 Hop Site-1 5 8.2 7.225 2 20 0.446 Site-2 5 7.4 7.162 2 20 Site-3 5 3.6 1.14 2 5 Total 15 6.4 5.853 2 20 Table 3 Mean and Standard deviation of FLNs genera from rhizosphere soils in the three sites. KEYS : Site-1 = Harpura, Site-2 = Basvan, Site-3 = Chitavar, N = Number of fields, S.D. = Standard deviation, Dip = Diplogaster , Dor = Dorylaimus , Mon = Mononchus FLNs Sites N Mean S.D. Minimum Maximum p-value TN 1 5 8 1.58 6 10 0.000 2 5 18 2.00 16 20 3 5 6.4 2.07 5 10 Total 15 10.8 5.60 5 20 Dip 1 5 4.2 1.30 3 6 0.000 2 5 12 2.74 10 15 3 5 3.2 1.10 2 5 Total 15 6.4667 4.42 2 15 Dor 1 5 2.6 0.55 2 3 0.005 2 5 3.8 0.84 3 5 3 5 2 0.71 1 3 Total 15 2.8 1.01 1 5 Mon 1 5 1.2 0.45 1 2 0.005 2 5 2.2 0.45 2 3 3 5 1.2 0.45 1 2 Total 15 1.5333 0.64 1 3 Table 4 Physiochemical properties of soils from three study areas. Keys: BS = Black Soil, RS = Red Soil, OC = Organic Carbon, N = Nitrogen, P = Phosphorus, K = Potassium. Properties Areas Site 1 Site 2 Site 3 pH 7.3 7.2 7.0 EC 0.45 0.48 0.51 OC 0.55 0.40 0.35 N 213 180 168 P 4.5 8 9.5 K 237 305 310 Texture BS RS BS 4. DISCUSSION In the present submission, the authors have highlighted the distribution and structure of some of the deleterious PPNs prevailed in a major common variety known as Cherry tomato (Desi) in Jhansi India. The physicochemical properties of soil and its relationship with the abundance of PPN genera have also been explored. The six PPNs genera have been enumerated for the first time in the tomato crop grown in this region. The distribution of six genera of PPNs ( Meloidogyne , hoplolaimus , Rotylynchulus , Pratylenchus , helicotylenchus, Criconmea ) based on prominence value and the significance test was also verified with morphological analysis. Site S-3 and S-2 were documented in higher populations of PPNs. The high PPN population in these two areas could be associated with intercropping of tomatoes plants with susceptible crops like – Ginger, Turmeric, Fenugreek, red chili, Bringles, Papaya, Coriander, Carrot, and cabbage spotted during the survey. Different varieties of crops were grown in the previous three years in the same field where tomato plants are cultivated at the present time, explains the occurrence of the high number of nematodes in roots. The previously grown crops provided the infection of tomato plants after planting. Prolonged mono-cropping of susceptible host plants may lead to PPNs build-ups which cause serious crop damage (Bhan, et al. 2010 ). These areas also receive a substantial amount of rainfall that ensures prolonged moisture in the soil for nematode movement (Waswa et al., 2020 ). During the survey, it was noticed that site S-1 (Harpura), had a lesser number of total nematodes, this may be the reason that the farmers of that village applied inorganic fertilizer and decomposed cow and buffalo dung, which reduced the total number of nematodes significantly. Organic decomposed manure releases toxic chemical against PPNs and enhances the proliferation of antagonistic micro-organism against PPNs (Waswa et al., 2020 ). It was observed that infection of PPNs on tomato crops declined significantly during the summer season because hot and dry climatic conditions did not allow them to grow. Tendering support to the above findings, Hussey ( 1996 ) stated that hot and arid seasons reduce PPNs infection in crops. During the investigation, it was ascertained that all three sites of tomato plant cultivation had been predominantly affected by PPN genera Meloidogyne followed by Pratylenchus, Rotylenchulus , and Helicotylenchus . Vasquez and Soria. 2017 examined the similar distribution of PPNs in tomato crops and Meloidogyne spp. was noted as the most abundant genera. These PPNs are polyphagous and their huge number is associated with the plantation of tomato crops with other prone host crops. On the other hand, while preparing the questionnaire, the authors' interacted with crop growers and ferreted out that many of them had grown the crop in the past three years which was highly susceptible to PPNs. This could be the key cause of the high number of PPNs extracted from soil and roots. During the survey, the low population of Hoplolaimus and Criconema genera was observed in cultivated lands. Blake ( 1969 ) opined that it could be possible because of the presence of other aggressive dominant genera and interspecific competition from other PPNs such as Meloidogyne . spp., Pratylenchus spp., Rotylenchulus spp., and Helicotylenchus spp., Free-living nematodes (FLNs) are a very important group of nematodes that feed on bacteria, algae, dead organisms, and living tissues. They release nutrients for plant use and improve soil structure and water-holding capacity. During the present investigation, the count of FLNs, in all three sites S-1, S-2, and S-3 was quite low as compared to PPNs, similar to the findings of Waswa et. al. 2020 . At the crop sites, the farmers were advised to use cow and buffalo dung in the soil because organic amendments (OAs) help in enhancing the FLNs population and combat the population of PPNs as suggested by Hillocks and Waller 1997 . Soil physiochemical parameters play a vital role in the improvement of soil fertility for the cultivation practices of agricultural crops, tomatoes, and have been found to influence the distribution of PPNs in all three sites of study. According to Kandji et al. 2001 and Kimenju et al. 2009 , the soil physio-chemical properties regulate the abundance, distribution, and community structure of nematodes. The minimum population of PPNs was recorded in S-1 (Harpura), it might be occurred due to a high level of organic carbon (OC), organic amendments (OAs), and nitrogen (referred to the table-4) in comparison to that of S-2 (Basvan) and S-3 (Chitavar), which were recorded a high number of PPNs. Waswa et al. 2020 stated that Organic carbon (OC) increases the number of antagonistic micro-organisms in the soil which reduce the PPNs. On the other hand, Agbenin ( 2004 ) referred that soil organic amendments (OAs) increase the build-up of nematodes trapping fungi compared with inorganic fertilizers. Nchore et al. 2012 have opined that animal manure has been used in the reduction of RKNs and other PPNs, which is suggestive of the organic management of the PPNs population in tomato crops. The Physico-chemical analysis of soil also revealed that S-2 and S-3 sites had greater phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) levels than S1. Phosphorus and potassium supplement the nutrition, multiplication, and production of eggs in the nematode population. Potassium also improves root growth, extending the root surface area for nematode attack and feeding (Badra and Yousif. 1979). This observation was in agreement with studies by Kandji et al. ( 2001 ), Badra and Yousif. 1979and Wasva et al. 2020. Most of the soils in the study sites were red soil (RS) and black soil (BS). According to Talwanaet al. 2008 above types of soil structures support the high nematode population densities. Such soils are highly porous with good aeration and favour the movement of nematodes (Talwanaet al. 2008 . McLean and Lawerence. 2000. Norton and Norton. 1978. Since the survey was conducted during the post-monsoon season (October- December 2021) so all the sites had a copious amount of moisture in the soil which favoured the greater PPN populations. Wallace. 1983 and Jaetzold et al. 2006 also postulated similar that humidity and moisture in soil received due to rainfall create a favourable condition for nematode development. Nysani et al. 2008. stated that pH 4–8 range tolerated by most PPNs, and the present study also revealed that the optimum pH ranged between 7-7.3 which was found conducive for the growth and development of nematodes. 5. CONCLUSION This study revealed that the tomato plant is attacked by diverse PPNs at Baruasagar in Jhansi, India. The most dominant genera infecting tomato production were Meloidogyne , Rotylenchulus , Pratylenchus , and Helicotylenchus . Soil physicochemical properties and cultivation practices are the major factors contributing to the increased number of PPNs in tomato-growing fields. Hence, there is a need for further research to identify the nematode species on a molecular basis so that a precise and concrete management strategy could be framed to maintain the PPNs population at a sustainable and below the economic threshold level (ETL). On the other, it is a need of the hour to disseminate agrarian literacy among the farmers to let them educate about hazardous pests like nematodes and the importance of organic solutions as an alternative to non-degradable chemical nematicides. Abbreviations BS = Black Soil Cri = Criconema Dip = Diplogaster Dor = Dorylaimus FLNs = Free living Nematodes Hel = Helicotylenchus Hop = Hoplolaimus J2 = Larval infective stage J4 = Larval infective stage K = Potassium Mel = Meloidogyne Mon = Mononchus N = Nitrogen N = Number of fields OC = Organic Carbon P = Phosphorus PPNs = Plant Parasitic Nematodes Pra = Pratylenchus Rot = Rotylenchulus RS = Red Soil S.D . = Standard deviation Site-1 = Harpura Site-2 = Basvan, Site-3 = Chitavar Declarations ACKNOWLEDGMENTS The authors are thankful for the basic laboratory facilities provided by the Department of Zoology, Bipin Bihari College, Jhansi (U.P.) India. The authors are also thankful for the financial assistance given by UGC, India (Ref. NO.: 3724). Conflict of interest statement - Authors have no conflict of interest. Ethics Approval There is no requirement for ethical approval to investigate the nematodes. Research involving human participants and/or animals - there is no involvement of human participants and/or animals (except Nematodes). Informed Consent - Not applicable References Agbenin, O.N. (2004). Potentials of organic amendments in the control of plant parasitic nematodes. Plant Protection Science, 40 (1): 21-25. Anderson, J. M., & Ingram, J. S. I. (1993). Tropical Soil Biology and Fertility: A Handbook of Methods ; CAB International: Wallimgford, UK. Anwar, S. A., Zia, A., Hussain, M., & Kamran, M. (2007). Host suitability of selected plants to Meloidogyne incognita in the Punjab, Pakistan. International Journal of Nematology, 17 (2): 144. Badra, T. & Yousif, G. M. (1979). Comparative effect of potassium level on growth and mineral composition of intact and nematized cowpea and sour orange seedlings. NematologiaMediterranra, 7(1). Baermann G. (1917). Eine einfache method zurAuffindung Von Ankylostomum (Larven) in ErdprobenGeneeskundingTijdschriftvoorNederlandsh – Indie 57:131-137. Bhan, M., McSorley, R., & Chase, C. A. (2010). Effect of cropping system complexity on plant parasitic nematodes associated with organically grown vegetables in Florida. Nematropica, 40(1): 53-70. Blake, C. (1969). Nematodes of banana and their control. In Nematodes of Tropical crops. Technical Communication by Commonwealth Bureau of Helminthology, 40, 109-132. Courtney, W. D., Polley, D. & Miller, V. L. (1955). TAF, an improved fixative in nematodes technique. Plant disease report 39:570-571. Di Mascio, P., Kasier, S. &Sies, H. (1998). Lycopene as most efficient biological carotenoid singlet oxygen quencher. Archives of biochemistry and biophysics 8, 274-532. Grover, B. C. C., Israel, L.M., Rosario, Y. B. B., Karen, B. T. & Victor, H. C. C. (2021). Nematodes associated with Andean papaya in sandia district, Puno, Peru. Bioagro 33(3) 191-202. Hillocks, R. J.& Waller, J. M. (1997). Associations between soil borne pathogens and other soil-inhabiting microorganism. In: Hillocks, R. J. And J. M. Waller, (Eds), Soil Disease of Tropical Crops (PP. 351-364). Wallingford, UK: CAB International. Hooper, D. J., Halmannand, J., &Subbotin, S. A. (2005). Three methods for Extraction, Processing and detection of soil nematodes. Hussey, R.S. (1996). Nematode pathogenesis and resistance in plants. Plant cell 8: 755-741. Jaetzold, R., Schmidt, H., Hornetz, B. & Shisanya, C. (2006). Form management hand book of Kenya Vol. II- Natural conditions and Farm Management information -2 nd Edition part c; East Kenya Subpart C1 Eastern province. Ministry of Agriculture, Nairobi, Kenya. Kandji, S. T., Ogol, C. K., & Albrecht, A. (2001). Diversity of plant parasitic nematodes and their relationship with some soil physic-chemical characteristics in improved follows in western Kenya, Applied soil ecology, 18(2): 143-157. Karuri, W. H., Olago, D., Neilson, R., Njeri, E., Opere, A., & Ndegwa, P., (2017). Plant parasitic nematode assemblages associated with sweet potato in Kenya and their relationship with environmental variables. Tropical plant pathology. 42: 1-2 Kimenju, J. W., Karanja, N. K., Mutua, G. K., Rimberia, B. M.,& Wachira, P.M. (2009). Nematode community structure as influenced by land use and intensity of cultivation. Tropical and subtropical agroecosystem , 11(2): 353-360. Kimpinski, J., Gallant, C. E., Henry, R., Macleod, J.A., Sanderson, J.B., &Sturz, A.V. (2003). Effect of compost and manure soil amendments on nematodes and on yields of potato and barley: A 7- year study. Journal of nematology , 35(3):289. Lambert, K.& Bekal, S. (2002). Introduction of plant-parasitic nematodes. The Plant Health Instructor, DOI: 1094/PHI-I-2002-1218-01. Mai, W. F., Mullin, P. G., Lyon, H. H., & Loeffler, K., (1996). Plant- parasitic nematodes: A pictorial key of genera. Cornel university press, Ithaca, new York , 42(5) : 585-586. Mai, W. (2018). Plant- parasitic nematodes: A pictorial key of genera. Cornel university press. McLean, K.S.& Lawrence, G.W. (2000). A survey of plant-parasitic nematodes associated with cotton in north eastern Louisiana. Journal of Nematology , 32 (4S):508. Mekete, T., Dababat, A. A., Sekora, N. Akyazi, F., & Abebe, E. (2012). Identification key for agriculturally important plant-parasitic nematodes. A manual of nematology . CIMMYT. Nchore, S.B. (2012). Incidence, prevalence and management of root-knot nematodes ( Meloidogyne spp.) on selected indigenous leafy vegetables in kissi and trans –mara counties, Kenya, M.sc thesis, Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya. Norton, D.C. & Norton, D.C. (1978). Ecology of plant parasitic nematodes. Willew New York. Nyasani, J. O., Kimenju, J. W., Olubayo, F. M., Shibairo, S.I. & Mutua, G. K. (2008). Occurrence of Entomophathogenic Nematodes and their potential in the Management of Diamonback Moth in Kale. Asian Journal of Plant Sciences . 7(3): 314-318. Panthee, D. R. &Chen, F. (2009). Genomics of fungal resistance in tomato. Current Genomics , 11, 30-39. Richards, L. A. (1954). Diagnosis and Improvement Saline and Alkaline Soils; US Department of Agriculture: Washington, DC, USA. Siddique, S., Zoran, S.R.,& Carola, M.D. (2015). A parasitic nematodes release cytokinin that control cell division and orchestrates feeding site formation in host plants. Proc Natl Acad Sci U.S.A ., 112 (41) : 12669-12674. Talwana, H.L., Butseya, M. M., & Tusime, G. (2008). Occurence of plant parasitic nematodes and factors that enhance population build-up in cereal based cropping system in Uganda. African Crop Science Journal , 16(2). Vasquez, P.U. & Soria, C. A. (2017). Nematodosparasitosasociados con tomate de arbol ( Solanum betaceum Cav.) en la sierra del Ecuador. RevistaEcuatoriana de Medicina y CienciasBiologicas, 38 : 107-118. Wallace, H. R. (1983). Interaction between nematodes and other factors on plants. Journal of Nematology ,15(2):221. Wangai, K. J., Nzesya, M. J., Maina, M. W., Peter, W. M.,& Elijah, G. K. (2014). Plant parasitic nematodes associated with coffee in Kenya and factors influencing their occurrence, abundance and diversity. Journal of Biology, Agriculture and Health care . 4:120-129. Waswa, J., Waceke, J.W.,& Shem, N. (2020). Diversity of Ecology of plant parasitic nematodes of tree tomato (Solanum betaceum Cav.) in Kiambu and Embu Counties, Kenya. Journal of Agriculture Research . 9:605-616. Wener, J. N. (2000). Agriculture Support Portal. www.agrisupportonline.com. Accessed on 23/11/16. Cite Share Download PDF Status: Under Review Version 1 posted Reviewers agreed at journal 05 Oct, 2024 Reviewers invited by journal 10 Jun, 2024 Editor invited by journal 22 Oct, 2023 Editor assigned by journal 04 Sep, 2023 First submitted to journal 02 Sep, 2023 You are reading this latest preprint version Research Square lets you share your work early, gain feedback from the community, and start making changes to your manuscript prior to peer review in a journal. As a division of Research Square Company, we’re committed to making research communication faster, fairer, and more useful. We do this by developing innovative software and high quality services for the global research community. Our growing team is made up of researchers and industry professionals working together to solve the most critical problems facing scientific publishing. Also discoverable on Platform About Our Team In Review Editorial Policies Advisory Board Help Center Resources Author Services Accessibility API Access RSS feed Manage Cookie Preferences © Research Square 2026 | ISSN 2693-5015 (online) Privacy Policy Terms of Service Do Not Sell My Personal Information {"props":{"pageProps":{"initialData":{"identity":"rs-3316381","acceptedTermsAndConditions":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"archivedVersions":[],"articleType":"Research Article","associatedPublications":[],"authors":[{"id":312637796,"identity":"7d0d1f4d-4fda-477e-b63a-31bcddd03c8c","order_by":0,"name":"Manvendra Singh Sengar","email":"data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAZAAAAAyAQMAAABI0h/eAAAABlBMVEX///8AAABVwtN+AAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAABFUlEQVRIiWNgGAWjYPADNgYGfhCdUECKFskGkBYDUrQYHAAx8GiRb+89/OLnHoZo/tk9ho8Lyu7JG59fnfjhgQGDPL/YAaxaDM6cS7PsecaQO+POGWPjGeeKDbfdeLtZAugww5mzE7BrkcgxM+A5wJDbcCMtTZq3LYFx242zG0BaEgxuY9ciP/+NmeEfoJb5N9LSfwO12G+ecXbzD3xaGG7wGD8G2bLhRvIxZqCWxA38vdvw2mJwJseMWeaARO7GG8mHpXnOJSTPuMG7zSLBQAKnX+Tbzxh/fHPAJnfejcTGzzxlCbb9/Wc33/xRYSPPL43DYcC4kGBgkEDiS4BVSmBXDAHMH1D5/AfwqR4Fo2AUjIIRCACcZmNizI4rTwAAAABJRU5ErkJggg==","orcid":"","institution":"BIPIN BIHARI COLLEGE JHANSI","correspondingAuthor":true,"prefix":"","firstName":"Manvendra","middleName":"Singh","lastName":"Sengar","suffix":""},{"id":312637797,"identity":"ee03b98a-c558-45bc-b3af-c196068e8cf8","order_by":1,"name":"Abha Sachan","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Bipin Bihari College Jhansi","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Abha","middleName":"","lastName":"Sachan","suffix":""},{"id":312637798,"identity":"928b96e6-eced-42ea-bb40-bd58a91db1e6","order_by":2,"name":"Rajesh K Pandey","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Bundelkhand University","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Rajesh","middleName":"K","lastName":"Pandey","suffix":""},{"id":312637799,"identity":"6300b82f-fa44-41af-a4d0-31e01e241839","order_by":3,"name":"Shailendra Kumar","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"RLBCAU: Rani Lakshmi Bai Central Agricultural University","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Shailendra","middleName":"","lastName":"Kumar","suffix":""},{"id":312637800,"identity":"4df4a3df-3781-408d-8caa-49ee7a19b77c","order_by":4,"name":"Neelam Kashyap","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Bipin Bihari College Jhansi","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Neelam","middleName":"","lastName":"Kashyap","suffix":""}],"badges":[],"createdAt":"2023-09-01 09:08:16","currentVersionCode":1,"declarations":"","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-3316381/v1","doiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-3316381/v1","draftVersion":[],"editorialEvents":[],"editorialNote":"","failedWorkflow":false,"files":[{"id":59046446,"identity":"9529e98d-0afb-44a7-be2f-a18d1966d411","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2024-06-25 18:39:38","extension":"jpg","order_by":1,"title":"Figure 1","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":487198,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eRoot-knot nematode (\u003cem\u003eMeloidogyne\u003c/em\u003e spp.) induced galling of plant roots. Enlarged, tuberous type galls formation in roots.\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"Fig.1.jpg","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-3316381/v1/f91891e70103ffd0b120da18.jpg"},{"id":59046449,"identity":"02bcd2a3-0e6f-4df4-8bb9-61056c58477f","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2024-06-25 18:39:38","extension":"jpg","order_by":2,"title":"Figure 2","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":1021172,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eGenus \u003cem\u003eMeloidogyne\u003c/em\u003e spp.(A) Complete body structure;(Magnification 100X) (B) Anterior region; rounded labial disc, stylet and basal nodules (Magnification 400X) (C) Arrow shows intestine (Magnification 400X) (D, E) Posterior region showing tail and copulatory organs (Magnification of D – 400X, Magnification of E – 1000X).\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"Figure2.jpg","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-3316381/v1/ca11946e5117ec3e7c09f02b.jpg"},{"id":59046982,"identity":"389eef46-a88d-403b-8a8c-fcf3906ab9c8","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2024-06-25 18:55:38","extension":"jpg","order_by":3,"title":"Figure 3","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":156796,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eGenus \u003cem\u003eHelicotylenchus\u003c/em\u003espp.; (A) Body length (Magnification 100X) (B) Anterior region showing head, stylet with strong basal nodules (Magnification 400X) (C) Arrow shows vulva (Magnification 400X) (D) Tail (Magnification 400X).\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"Figure3.jpg","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-3316381/v1/6508d5ee7041fab51482bd64.jpg"},{"id":59046451,"identity":"a0451fb2-e298-4641-a51b-0c51bccf1382","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2024-06-25 18:39:38","extension":"jpg","order_by":4,"title":"Figure 4","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":118847,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eGenus \u003cem\u003ePratylenchus\u003c/em\u003espp; (A) Body length (Magnification 100X) (B) Anterior region of the body. The arrow shows stylet with basal nodules and esophageal gland (Magnification 400X) (C) Vulva (Magnification 400X) (D) Posterior region showing tail (Magnification 400X).\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"Figure4.jpg","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-3316381/v1/38a898e52b11dee5543a3f01.jpg"},{"id":59046748,"identity":"b8c9406b-5fad-42d7-bbe6-0052f4a95c3c","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2024-06-25 18:47:38","extension":"jpg","order_by":5,"title":"Figure 5","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":176246,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eGenus \u003cem\u003eRotylenchulus\u003c/em\u003e (A) Body length of immature female (Magnification 100X) (B) Head of immature female (Magnification 400X) (C) Anterior region of the body. The arrow shows stylet and basal nodules with esophageal gland (Magnification 1000X) (D, E) Vulva (Magnification of D-400X, Magnification of E- 1000X) (F) Tail of immature female (Magnification 400X).\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"Figure5.jpg","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-3316381/v1/e1d9f75619602c58bd072efd.jpg"},{"id":59046454,"identity":"a3777439-17f2-451e-8e73-68db4bb65404","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2024-06-25 18:39:38","extension":"jpg","order_by":6,"title":"Figure 6","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":261023,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eGenus\u003cem\u003eCriconema\u003c/em\u003e spp. (A) Body length (Magnification 100X) (B) Anterior region of the body.(Magnification 400X) Arrow showing disc-shaped cephalic ring (C, D) Arrow shows annulus (Magnification 400X) (E) Tail end (Magnification 400X).\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"Figure6.jpg","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-3316381/v1/1ad40db2d362c582a7530d27.jpg"},{"id":59046752,"identity":"84aadbf2-4fbb-40a9-bf34-f2c946821254","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2024-06-25 18:47:39","extension":"jpg","order_by":7,"title":"Figure 7","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":374342,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eGenus\u003cem\u003eHoplolaimus\u003c/em\u003e spp. (A) Body length (Magnification 100X)(B) Anterior region of the body (Magnification 400X) (C) Arrow shows stylet and basal nodules (Magnification 1000X) (D) Indistinct lateral line (Magnification 1000X) (E) Vulva (Magnification 1000X) (F) Posterior region shows tail (Magnification 1000X).\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"Figure7.jpg","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-3316381/v1/3209a8264a1ef50f5b6eb25c.jpg"},{"id":59046453,"identity":"5147a142-fbda-4aa4-b25e-516bfd514502","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2024-06-25 18:39:38","extension":"jpg","order_by":8,"title":"Figure 8","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":41210,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003e(A) Error bar with grouping demonstrated the total number of plant parasitic nematodes in three sites – S1, S2 and S3; (B) Error bar with grouping indicated the distribution of Genus \u003cem\u003eMeloidogyne\u003c/em\u003espp. in three sites – S1, S2, and S3; (C) Genus \u003cem\u003eHelicotylenchus\u003c/em\u003espp. in three sites - S1, S2, and S3. Study areas Bars with the same letter are not significantly different (p≥0.05) from Turkey’s HSD test.\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"Figure8.jpg","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-3316381/v1/35bb06708757bb9deef9946e.jpg"},{"id":59046750,"identity":"adcd33f5-a75a-49b3-baaf-d20ecd7672cc","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2024-06-25 18:47:38","extension":"jpg","order_by":9,"title":"Figure 9","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":57616,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003e(A) Error bar with grouping indicated the distribution of Genus\u003cem\u003ePratylenchus\u003c/em\u003espp; in three sites – S1, S2 and S3; (B) Genus \u003cem\u003eRotylenchulus\u003c/em\u003espp. in three sites – S1, S2, and S3 (C)Genus \u003cem\u003eCriconema\u003c/em\u003e spp. in three sites – S1, S2, and S3 (D) Genus\u003cem\u003eHoplolaimus\u003c/em\u003espp. In three sites – S1, S2, and S3. Study areas Bars with the same letter are not significantly different (p≥0.05) from Turkey’s HSD test.\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"Figure9.jpg","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-3316381/v1/e7f5c8f048705fcab1145de5.jpg"},{"id":59046455,"identity":"e9a7826f-d136-4d21-9e09-beb6f19ae5c4","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2024-06-25 18:39:38","extension":"jpg","order_by":10,"title":"Figure 10","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":50012,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTotal body length of free-living nematodes \u003c/strong\u003e(A) Genus – \u003cem\u003eDiplogaster\u003c/em\u003e spp. (Magnification 100X) (B) Genus – \u003cem\u003eDorylaimus\u003c/em\u003e spp. (Magnification 100X) (C) Genus – \u003cem\u003eMononchus\u003c/em\u003e spp. (Magnification 100X).\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"Figure10.jpg","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-3316381/v1/ef8e374009a977a14ad2facd.jpg"},{"id":59046458,"identity":"0ff5fd9d-b837-479e-b900-5d0972178fec","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2024-06-25 18:39:39","extension":"jpg","order_by":11,"title":"Figure 11","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":54304,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003e(A) Error bar with grouping demonstrated total number of free living nematodes in three sites – S1, S2 and S3; (B) Error bar with grouping indicated the distribution of Genus \u003cem\u003eDiplogaster\u003c/em\u003espp; in three sites – S1, S2 and S3; (C) Genus \u003cem\u003eDorylaimus\u003c/em\u003espp. in three sites – S1, S2 and S3 (C)Genus \u003cem\u003eMononchus\u003c/em\u003espp. in three sites – S1, S2 and S3. In Study areas, Bars with the same letter are not significantly different (p≥0.05) with Turkey’s HSD test.\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"Figure11.jpg","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-3316381/v1/5d7e1ffb0e0b9d64d248435d.jpg"},{"id":59046751,"identity":"2a16f0d6-4c89-4bc3-8214-9410902a6a3b","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2024-06-25 18:47:38","extension":"jpg","order_by":12,"title":"Figure 12","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":63839,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eThe crops were grown three years prior to the plantation of tomato crops by cultivators in sites S1, S2, and S3\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"Figure12.jpg","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-3316381/v1/96c4f538f41a6ab40cd879a4.jpg"},{"id":59046456,"identity":"bdb2fcf9-61c7-49a2-944d-cc5d22048558","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2024-06-25 18:39:39","extension":"jpg","order_by":13,"title":"Figure 13","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":301189,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003ePercentage of tomato plants cultivator’s awareness of nematodes attack in sites S1, S2, and S3\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"Figure13.jpg","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-3316381/v1/4dd6f6d09c1f45baaad180e7.jpg"},{"id":59047192,"identity":"315e98e8-f142-4b02-8077-4c8ceb989877","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2024-06-25 19:03:39","extension":"pdf","order_by":0,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"manuscript-pdf","size":4161110,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"manuscript.pdf","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-3316381/v1/6c2773a5-00df-49c0-ad8e-cf44d5076576.pdf"}],"financialInterests":"","formattedTitle":"Survey and Distribution of Plant Parasitic Nematodes Infecting Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) in Jhansi, (India)","fulltext":[{"header":"1. INTRODUCTION","content":"\u003cp\u003eNematodes are non-segmented thread-like triploblastic pseudocoelomate animals and survive in extreme ends of the environment including soil and roots. Nematodes feed on a variety of preys e.g. fungi, bacteria, protozoan, other nematodes, and plants. Plant parasitic nematodes (PPNs) feed mostly on the softer tissues of plant roots. A few less common ones feed on aboveground plant parts. Among the root feeders, certain nematodes are ectoparasites that feed from outside of the root and others are endoparasites that reside inside the root to attain nutrients. The nematodes are vermiform, limbless, cylindrical, elongated animals. Their body is covered with transparent epidermis and tapered at the ends. The inner hypodermis secretes the cuticle and is adhered with longitudinal muscles that allow only sinusoidal (snake-like) movement. Nematodes lack circulatory and respiratory systems but they obtain water and key metabolites from plants through their semi-permeable membrane. During parasitic adaptation, the absence of two vital systems allows them to grow in length and not in cross-section. Plant parasitic nematodes range from 250\u0026micro;m to 12mm in length and about 15\u0026ndash;35 \u0026micro;m in width(Lambert and Bekal, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR19\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2002\u003c/span\u003e).The mouth is located at the anterior part of the body and has a spear-shaped stylet which works in a similar way as the hypodermic needle does. The pulsating movement of stylet punctures the cell wall to withdraw key metabolites from the plant tissues and releases cytokinin that controls cell division and orchestrates feeding site formation in the host plants(Siddique et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR29\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2015\u003c/span\u003e). It also provides an excellent opportunity for the invasion of secondary pathogens like viruses, bacteria, and fungi.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTomato (\u003cem\u003eSolanum lycopersicum\u003c/em\u003e) is one of the most important vegetables in the world, second only to potato in terms of consumption (Panthee and Chen, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR27\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2009\u003c/span\u003e).In India, it is grown on nearly 80,000 hectares each year, accounting for 1.5 percent of the world's total area. The crop is a major source of lycopene, a dietary carotenoid (Di Mascioet al.,1998), which is known to combat cancer, heart disease, and premature aging (Wener, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR35\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2000\u003c/span\u003e). Tomato is also highly rich in vitamins A, B, and C and contains good amounts of potassium, iron, and phosphorus (Wener,2000). The crop is low in saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium. Cooking or processing makes it beneficial to health because it increases the bioavailability of lycopene as heating up tomato breaks down its cell walls and releases lycopene. The massive qualitative and quantitative loss of tomato crops occurs due to pests and diseases. Plant parasitic nematodes are the key menace in tomato production. They cause high levels of economic loss all over the world in a multitude of tomato crops. The PPNs infect the tomato crop by causing root necrosis, formation of root galls, stunted growth, yellowness of leaves, nutrient deficiency symptoms, and secondary infections. The present investigation is the first report on the occurrence of different PPNs genera on tomato crops at Baruasagar. It also highlights the correlation of the physicochemical properties of soil with the distribution of PPNs.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":" 2. MATERIALS AND METHODS:","content":"\u003cdiv id=\"Sec3\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e2.1 \u003cspan type=\"Underline\" class=\"Underline\" name=\"Emphasis\"\u003eNematode Survey\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eExtensive survey work was undertaken from October \u0026ndash; December 2021 to determine the presence and distribution of PPNs in the three sites at Baruasagar. The samples were collected from fields located in villages Harpura(S-1), Basvan(S-2), and Chitavar(S-3). Harpura is located at latitude 25.3851729 and longitude 78.7442586. Basvan is located at latitude 25.237912 and longitude 79.135156. Chitavar is located at latitude 25.444132 and longitude 78.567593. A total of 15 representative fields were sampled having a common variety known as Cherry tomato (Desi). From each field soil and root samples were collected from the rhizosphere of diseased desi tomato crops. The soil samples were collected from 15-20cm below the ground in a zigzag pattern of 10\u0026ndash;12 plants/spots at random with the help of a scoop. Each sample consisted of 50g of soil and 1g of root. These soil samples were mixed thoroughly to form a representative sample of 200cc soil. The soil and root samples were immediately transferred to a polybag and sealed tightly with the help of a rubber band to minimize the loss of moisture in the soil and then brought to the Department of Zoology in Bipin Bihari P.G. College Jhansi for further investigation.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eA questionnaire was filled out in the survey field to obtain data like as the farmer\u0026rsquo;s name, crop variety, crop history, diseases, and management of crops.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec4\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e2.2 \u003cspan type=\"Underline\" class=\"Underline\" name=\"Emphasis\"\u003eNematode Extraction and identification\u003c/span\u003e :\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eSamples from each field were thoroughly mixed manually to make them homogenous. Nematodes were extracted from 200cc of soil and 5g of roots using the modified Baerman extraction tray method as described by Hooper et al., (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR12\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2005\u003c/span\u003e). The infected roots of every sample were washed in tap water to get them free from soil particles. Then roots were chopped into small pieces transversely and placed in a glass flask filled with 100ml water. After 48 hrs of incubation, nematode suspensions from both soil and roots were collected and examined under a stereomicroscope (Ghizlane et al., 2020). One (1ml) of the nematode suspension was pipetted into a nematode counting plate and put under a stereomicroscope for counting. It was repeated thrice and the average was recorded. For optical microscopic analysis nematodes were killed with hot water and normal tap water in a 1:1 ratio, then fixed in 4%warm formaldehyde (Courtney et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR8\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1955\u003c/span\u003e) and kept in the cavity blocks for 48 hours. A slow dehydration procedure was adopted for the light microscopic study suggested by Seinhorst in 1959. The mounted PPNs were identified to genus level on the basis of morphological features as described by the dichotomous keys (Mai and Mullin, 1996), (Mai, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR21\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2018\u003c/span\u003e); (Meketeet et al., 2012) and (Siddiqi, 2000). Four main morphometric and morphological characters were known for identification like as \u0026ndash; presence and size of the stylet, body length, body width, head and tail shape, and distribution of internal organ i.e. vulval position (Grover B. Cornejo \u0026ndash; Condori et al. 2021). The images were captured with the trinocular microscope and dig eye camera (Dewinter capture pro software).\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec5\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e2.3 \u003cspan type=\"Underline\" class=\"Underline\" name=\"Emphasis\"\u003ePhysico- Chemical Analysis of Soil\u003c/span\u003e :\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe soil physico-chemical parameters were determined for each field using 500g of the composite soil according to Waswa, et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR34\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2020\u003c/span\u003e. The soil analysis was carried out in R.S.T. Laboratoryin Jhansi, India using standard methods according to Anderson, J.M; et al.1993. The following soil parameters were analysedi.e. pH, electrical conductivity EC (\u0026micro;S/cm) using the 1:2.5 soil: water ratio methodology described by Richards, L.A. et al., 1954. organic carbon, nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"3. RESULTS","content":"\u003cp\u003ePresent investigation was undertaken on the Cherry tomato (Desi) at three sites S-1 (Harpura), S-2 (Basvan), and S-3 (Chitavar) and each sites had five different fields (R1-R5). During the investigation, the six genera of nematodes were observed and their systematic classification, feeding strategies, and infective stages have been mentioned in table 1.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec7\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e3.1 Structural analysis of different genera of nematodes observed\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec8\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e\u003cb\u003e3.1.1.\u003c/b\u003e\u003cem\u003eMeloidogyne\u003c/em\u003e:\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe root knot nematode was discerned most prevalent in all three sites and their respective fields. The roots of the plant displayed the formation of gall in response to the presence of the \u003cem\u003eMeloidogyne\u003c/em\u003e (Fig.\u0026nbsp;01). Second stage juvenile (J2) entered the root, modified the root cells near their head, and began to feed giant cell. Later, Juveniles developed into pear-shaped females which were partially or completely buried in root tissues. Figure\u0026nbsp;2A illustrated a vermiform male which was approximately 1\u0026ndash;2 mm in length. The male had a rounded labial disc, stylet and basal nodules were clearly visible (Fig.\u0026nbsp;2B). Juvenile (J2) was observed straight in general and slightly curved when relaxed. The Lip framework was lightly sclerotized. The intestine as a part of the alimentary canal could be visualized in (Fig.\u0026nbsp;2C). The excretory pore was posterior to hemizonid. The tail was pointed with the terminal hyaline region and copulatory organ (CP) at its extreme end (Figs.\u0026nbsp;2D, E).\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec9\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e\u003cb\u003e3.1.2\u003c/b\u003e.\u003cem\u003eHelicotylenchus\u003c/em\u003e:\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cem\u003eHelicotylenchus\u003c/em\u003e commonly known as spiral nematodes observed with key characteristic C-shaped in the relaxed stage (Fig.\u0026nbsp;3A). The stylet was large with strong basal nodules, robust, well- developed approximately 20\u0026ndash;50 \u0026micro;m in length (Fig.\u0026nbsp;3B). The oesophageal gland observed less clear in fixed specimen than that of hoplolaimids, longest overlap in ventral. The vulva situated at around 60% (Fig.\u0026nbsp;3C). The tail found usually rounded (Fig.\u0026nbsp;3D).\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec10\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e\u003cb\u003e3.1.3.\u003c/b\u003e\u003cem\u003ePratylenchus\u003c/em\u003e:\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cem\u003ePratylenchus\u003c/em\u003e commonly known as lesion nematodes noticed with a cylindrical body (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003eA). The stylet was a well\u0026ndash;developed and basal nodule with an oesophageal gland (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003eB). The oesophagus overlapped the intestine ventrally. The vulva region located in 65\u0026ndash;85% (Fig.\u0026nbsp;3C). The tail shape was rounded and conical (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003eD).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec11\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e\u003cb\u003e3.1.4.\u003c/b\u003e\u003cem\u003eRotylenchulus\u003c/em\u003e:\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cem\u003eRotylenchulus\u003c/em\u003e commonly known as reniform nematodes had a vermiform body and cephalic region high (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003eA). The immature female had well developed stylet and basal nodules with esophageal gland (Figs.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003eB,C). The vulva region was located at 65\u0026ndash;70% (Figs.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003eD,E). The tail shape noticed bluntly rounded (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003eF).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec12\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e\u003cb\u003e3.1.5\u003c/b\u003e.\u003cem\u003eCriconema\u003c/em\u003e:\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cem\u003eCriconema\u003c/em\u003e nematode observed in a short, robust, and ventrally arched body (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig3\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003eA). Lip annules were larger and offset from body annules with 6 pseudolips and submedian lobes absent (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig3\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003eB). Anterior vulval lip was overhanging vulva. The juveniles were found with rows of scales and annulus (Figs.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig3\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003eC,D). The tail found conoid and pointed (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig3\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003eE)\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec13\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e\u003cb\u003e3.1.6.\u003c/b\u003e\u003cem\u003eHoplolaimus\u003c/em\u003e :\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eFemale \u003cem\u003eHoplolaimus\u003c/em\u003e noticed as spiral and C shaped and 1\u0026ndash;2 mm in length (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig4\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e7\u003c/span\u003eA). The stylet (20\u0026ndash;50\u0026micro;m) was large, robust, and well developed (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig4\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e7\u003c/span\u003eB). Lip region offset form body, wide, anteriorly flattened, with clearly marked annuli, and with longitudinal stria. The oesophagus found overlapping in the intestine (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig4\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e7\u003c/span\u003eC). The lateral field observed indistinct (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig4\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e7\u003c/span\u003eD). The vulva region situated in a total length of 60% (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig4\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e7\u003c/span\u003eE). The tail was observed broadly rounded (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig4\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e7\u003c/span\u003eF).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec14\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e3.2. Distribution of PPNs in the study sites in tomato soil rhizosphere:\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eData organized on MS Excel sheets and analyzed in the R programming language with the analysis of variance (ANOVA) technique at a 5% level of significance. Means significant separated by Tukey's HSD method at a 5% level of significance. In table-2, the p-value (0.016)\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05 indicated that all three sites differ significantly at a 5% level of significance, and site S-3 had a maximum mean of 2200 with a standard deviation of 495 followed by site S-2 which had mean value 1360 with standard deviation 365 and site S-1 found with a minimum value of mean 1240 and standard deviation 559. The error bar diagram with groups (Fig.\u0026nbsp;8A) mentioned that different letters on bars S-1 and S-3 made significant differences, whereas the same letters on bars S-1 and S-3 as well as on S-2 and S-3 depicted no significant differences regarding the mean values of PPNs.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec15\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e\u003cb\u003e3.2.1.\u003c/b\u003e\u003cem\u003eMeloidogyne\u003c/em\u003e:\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe p-value (0.016)\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05 revealed that the distribution of \u003cem\u003eMeloidogyne\u003c/em\u003e genera in all three sites had significant differences. The site S-3 (Chitavar) had maximum \u003cem\u003eMeloidogyne\u003c/em\u003e genera on average 1777 with standard deviation 511, followed by S-2 (Basvan) mean 1080 with standard deviation 327. The site S-1 (Harpura) was found with a minimum value of mean 910 and standard deviation 400 (Table-2). The error bar diagram with groups (Fig.\u0026nbsp;8B) states that sites S-1 and S-3 have significant differences, but S-1 and S-2 as well as S-2 and S-3 do not have significant differences.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec16\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e\u003cb\u003e3.2.2.\u003c/b\u003e \u003cem\u003eHelicotylenchus\u003c/em\u003e:\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe p-value (0.603)\u0026thinsp;\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;0.05 indicated that the distribution of \u003cem\u003eHelicotylenchus\u003c/em\u003e genera in all three sites did not have significant differences on average, at 5% level of significance. Sites S-3 had a maximum value of mean 48 and standard deviation 26, followed by S-1 a mean 44 with standard deviation 28 and S-2 mean 32 and standard deviation 21 (Table-2). The error bar diagram (Fig.\u0026nbsp;8C) with the same letter on the bar also indicated that there were no significant differences amongst S-1, S-2, and S-3 regarding the mean population of \u003cem\u003eHelicotylenchus\u003c/em\u003e genera.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec17\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e\u003cb\u003e3.2.3.\u003c/b\u003e \u003cem\u003ePratylenchus\u003c/em\u003e :\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe p-value (0.356)\u0026thinsp;\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;0.05 revealed that all three sites did not differ significantly at 5% level of significance based on mean population of \u003cem\u003ePratylenchus\u003c/em\u003e genera. Site S-3 had a maximum mean 277 and standard deviation 84, followed by S-1 with a mean 210 and standard deviation 143 and S-2 with a minimum mean 180 and standard deviation 76 (Table-2). The error-bar diagram (Fig.\u0026nbsp;9A) also indicated that there were no significant differences between S-1, S-2, and S-3.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec18\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e\u003cb\u003e3.2.4.\u003c/b\u003e \u003cem\u003eRotylenchulus\u003c/em\u003e :\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe P-value (0.056)\u0026thinsp;\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;0.05 revealed that all three sites did not differ significantly at 5% level of significance based on mean population of \u003cem\u003eRotylenchulus\u003c/em\u003e genera. Site S-3 had a maximum mean 101 and standard deviation 35, followed by S-2 with mean 51 and standard deviation 35. The S-1 was found with a minimum mean 50 and standard deviation 31 (Table-2). The error-bar diagram (Fig.\u0026nbsp;9B) also shows that there were no significant differences between S-1, S-2, and S-3.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec19\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e\u003cb\u003e3.2.5.\u003c/b\u003e \u003cem\u003eCriconema\u003c/em\u003e :\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe P-value (0.472)\u0026thinsp;\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;0.05 enumerated that all three sites did not differ significantly at 5% level of significance based on mean population of genera \u003cem\u003eCriconema.\u003c/em\u003e Site S-1 had maximum mean 14 and standard deviation 9 followed by site-2 with mean 9 with standard deviation 3. The site \u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;3 found with minimum value of mean 8 and standard deviation 6 (Table-2). The error-bar diagram (Fig.\u0026nbsp;9C) also referred that there was no significant difference among S-1, S-2, and S-3.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec20\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e\u003cb\u003e3.2.6.\u003c/b\u003e \u003cem\u003eHoplolaimus\u003c/em\u003e:\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe P-value (0.446)\u0026thinsp;\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;0.05 all three sites did not differ significantly at 5% level of significance based on mean population of genera \u003cem\u003eHoplolaimus\u003c/em\u003e. The site S-1 had maximum mean 8 and standard deviation 7 followed by site-2 which had mean 7 and standard deviation 7. The site S-3 was found with minimum value of mean 3 and standard deviation 1 (Table-2). The error-bar diagram (Fig.\u0026nbsp;9D) referred that there was no significant difference between S-1, S-2, and S-3.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec21\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e3.3 : Distribution of FLNs in the study sites in tomato soil rhizosphere:\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eData was organised and summarized in MS Excel sheets and analysed using analysis of variance (ANOVA ) at 5% level of significant (p\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05) using R programming language for computing. Means significant were separated using Tukey\u0026rsquo;s HSD at 5% level of significant (p\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05). The P-value (p\u0026thinsp;\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;0.000) indicated that all three sites differ significantly at 5% level of significant and site-2 had maximum mean 18 with standard deviation 2 followed by site-1 which had mean 8 with standard deviation 1. The site \u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;3 was found with minimum value of mean 6 and standard deviation 2 (Table-3). Bar diagram (Fig.\u0026nbsp;11A) referred that S-1 and S-2 followed by S-2 and S-3 were significant. There was no significant difference between S-1 and S-3.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec22\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e\u003cb\u003e3.3.1.\u003c/b\u003e \u003cem\u003eDiplogaster\u003c/em\u003e:\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe P-value (0.00)\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05 revealed that all three sites differ significantly at 5% level of significance on the basis of mean population of \u003cem\u003ediplogaster\u003c/em\u003e genera. The site-2 had maximum mean 12 and standard deviation 2 followed by site S-1 which had mean 4 with standard deviation 1. The site \u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;3 was found with minimum value of mean 3 and standard deviation 1 (Table-3). It was noticed in error bar diagram (Fig.\u0026nbsp;11B) that S-1 and S-2 followed by S-2 and S-3 were significant. There was no significant difference between S-1 and S-3.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec23\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e\u003cb\u003e3.3.2.\u003c/b\u003e\u003cem\u003eDorylaimus\u003c/em\u003e :\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe P-value (0.005)\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05 revealed that all three sites differ significantly at 5% level of significance on the basis of mean population of genera \u003cem\u003eDorylaimus\u003c/em\u003e. The site S-2 had maximum mean 3.8 and standard deviation 0.84 followed by site S-1 which had mean 2.6 and standard deviation 0.55. The site \u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;3 was found with minimum value of mean 2 and standard deviation 0.71 (Table-3). The error bar diagram (Fig.\u0026nbsp;11C) referred that S-2 and S-3 were significant. There was no significant difference between S-1 and S-3 followed by S-1 and S-2.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec24\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e\u003cb\u003e3.3.3.\u003c/b\u003e \u003cem\u003eMononchus\u003c/em\u003e:\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe P-value (0.005)\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05 revealed that all three sites differ significantly at 5% level of significance on the basis of the mean population of genera \u003cem\u003eMononchus\u003c/em\u003e. Site S-2 had a maximum mean of 2.2 and standard deviation of 0.45 followed by site-1 which had mean 1.2 and standard deviation 0.45. Site \u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;3 was found with a minimum value of mean 1.2 and standard deviation 0.45 (Table-3). The error bar diagram (Fig.\u0026nbsp;11D) referred that S-1 and S-2 followed by S-2 and S-3 differ significantly. There was no significant difference between S-1 and S-3.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec25\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e\u003cb\u003e3.4.\u003c/b\u003eC\u003cb\u003eultivation practices of tomato plants production in study sites\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe cultivation of tomato plants was small in all areas. There were 60% of the farmers who grew tomato plants on less than 0.3 acres and only 40% of the farmers used between 0.3- 1 acres of land.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDifferent varieties of crops were grown in the previous three years in the field where tomato plants cultivated at present. The multiple crops were grown in 40%, vegetable crops 35%, cereal crops 8%, pulses 6%, Fruit crops 5%, medicinal crops 4% and grasses 2% (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig5\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e12\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThere were 85% of farmers who did not know about nematodes attack while 10% of farmers had awareness of nematodes attack but 5% had no idea of it (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig6\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e13\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec26\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e3.5. Soil physicochemical characteristics in study sites:\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe physicochemical characteristics of soil at investigation sites presented in Table \u003cspan refid=\"Tab3\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e. The higher pH in site S-1 was obtained than that of site S-2 and site S-3. The Nitrogen content was noticed quite high in S-1 in comparison to S-2 and S-3. The amount of phosphorous, potassium, and electrical conductivity (EC) was high on site-2 and site-3 in comparison to site S-1. The value of organic carbon (OC) was ascertained minimum at site S-3 than S-2 and S-1.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab1\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 2\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMean and Standard deviation of PPNs genera from rhizosphere soils in the study sites. \u003cb\u003eKEYS : Site-1\u003c/b\u003e\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;Harpura, \u003cb\u003eSite-2\u003c/b\u003e\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;Basvan, \u003cb\u003eSite-3\u003c/b\u003e\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;Chitavar, N\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;Number of fields, S.D. = Standard deviation, Mel\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;\u003cem\u003eMeloidogyne\u003c/em\u003e, Hel\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;\u003cem\u003eHelicotylenchus\u003c/em\u003e, Pra\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;\u003cem\u003ePratylenchus\u003c/em\u003e, Rot\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;\u003cem\u003eRotylenchulus\u003c/em\u003e, Cri\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;\u003cem\u003eCriconema\u003c/em\u003e, Hop\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;\u003cem\u003eHoplolaimus\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"8\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c7\" colnum=\"7\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c8\" colnum=\"8\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePPNs\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSites\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eN\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMean\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eS.D.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMinimum\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMaximum\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ep-value\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"3\" rowspan=\"4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eTN\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSite-1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1240\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e559.464\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e500\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2000\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\" morerows=\"2\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.016\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSite-2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1360\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e364.692\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e800\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1800\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSite-3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2200\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e494.975\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1500\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2800\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eTotal\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e15\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e1600\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e626.783\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e500\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e2800\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"3\" rowspan=\"4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eMel\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSite-1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e910\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e400.625\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e400\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1500\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\" morerows=\"2\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.016\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSite-2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1080\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e327.109\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e600\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1500\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSite-3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1777.4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e510.751\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1000\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2275\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eTotal\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e15\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e1255.8\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e549.429\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e400\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e2275\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"3\" rowspan=\"4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eHel\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSite-1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e44\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e28.592\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e20\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e80\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\" morerows=\"2\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.603\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSite-2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e32\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e21.679\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e20\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e70\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSite-3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e48\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e26.125\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e20\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e90\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eTotal\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e15\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e41.33\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e24.746\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e20\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e90\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"3\" rowspan=\"4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePra\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSite-1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e210\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e143.178\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e50\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e400\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\" morerows=\"2\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.356\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSite-2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e180\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e75.829\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e100\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e250\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSite-3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e277.6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e83.942\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e200\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e400\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eTotal\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e15\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e222.53\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e106.294\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e50\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e400\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"3\" rowspan=\"4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eRot\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSite-1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e50\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e30.822\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e20\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e100\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\" morerows=\"2\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.056\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSite-2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e51\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e35.426\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e15\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e100\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSite-3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e101\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e35.426\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e50\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e150\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eTotal\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e15\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e67.33\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e39.949\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e15\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e150\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"3\" rowspan=\"4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eCri\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSite-1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e13.8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e9.257\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e25\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\" morerows=\"2\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.472\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSite-2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e9.6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3.647\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e15\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSite-3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8.6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6.618\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e20\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eTotal\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e15\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e10.67\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e6.8\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e3\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e25\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"3\" rowspan=\"4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eHop\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSite-1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8.2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7.225\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e20\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\" morerows=\"2\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.446\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSite-2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7.4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7.162\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e20\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSite-3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3.6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.14\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eTotal\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e15\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e6.4\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e5.853\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e2\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e20\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab2\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 3\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMean and Standard deviation of FLNs genera from rhizosphere soils in the three sites. \u003cb\u003eKEYS : Site-1\u003c/b\u003e\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;Harpura, \u003cb\u003eSite-2\u003c/b\u003e\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;Basvan, \u003cb\u003eSite-3\u003c/b\u003e\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;Chitavar, N\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;Number of fields, S.D. = Standard deviation, Dip\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;\u003cem\u003eDiplogaster\u003c/em\u003e, Dor\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;\u003cem\u003eDorylaimus\u003c/em\u003e, Mon\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;\u003cem\u003eMononchus\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"8\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c7\" colnum=\"7\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c8\" colnum=\"8\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFLNs\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSites\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eN\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMean\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eS.D.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMinimum\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMaximum\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ep-value\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"3\" rowspan=\"4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eTN\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.58\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e10\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\" morerows=\"2\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.000\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e18\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.00\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e16\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e20\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6.4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.07\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e10\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eTotal\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e15\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e10.8\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e5.60\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e5\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e20\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"3\" rowspan=\"4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eDip\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4.2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.30\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\" morerows=\"2\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.000\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e12\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.74\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e10\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e15\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3.2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.10\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eTotal\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e15\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e6.4667\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e4.42\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e2\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e15\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"3\" rowspan=\"4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eDor\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.55\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\" morerows=\"2\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.005\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3.8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.84\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.71\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eTotal\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e15\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e2.8\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e1.01\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e1\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e5\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"3\" rowspan=\"4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eMon\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.45\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\" morerows=\"2\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.005\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.45\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.45\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eTotal\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e15\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e1.5333\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e0.64\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e1\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e3\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab3\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 4\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePhysiochemical properties of soils from three study areas. Keys: BS\u003c/b\u003e\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;Black Soil, \u003cb\u003eRS\u003c/b\u003e\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;Red Soil, \u003cb\u003eOC\u003c/b\u003e\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;Organic Carbon, \u003cb\u003eN\u003c/b\u003e\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;Nitrogen, \u003cb\u003eP\u003c/b\u003e\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;Phosphorus, \u003cb\u003eK\u003c/b\u003e\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;Potassium.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"4\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eProperties\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\" nameend=\"c4\" namest=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAreas\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSite 1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSite 2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSite 3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003epH\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7.2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eEC\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.45\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.48\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.51\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eOC\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.55\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.40\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.35\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eN\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e213\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e180\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e168\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eP\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4.5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e9.5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eK\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e237\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e305\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e310\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eTexture\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eBS\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eRS\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eBS\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"4. DISCUSSION","content":"\u003cp\u003eIn the present submission, the authors have highlighted the distribution and structure of some of the deleterious PPNs prevailed in a major common variety known as Cherry tomato (Desi) in Jhansi India. The physicochemical properties of soil and its relationship with the abundance of PPN genera have also been explored. The six PPNs genera have been enumerated for the first time in the tomato crop grown in this region. The distribution of six genera of PPNs (\u003cem\u003eMeloidogyne\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003ehoplolaimus\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eRotylynchulus\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003ePratylenchus\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003ehelicotylenchus, Criconmea\u003c/em\u003e) based on prominence value and the significance test was also verified with morphological analysis.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSite S-3 and S-2 were documented in higher populations of PPNs. The high PPN population in these two areas could be associated with intercropping of tomatoes plants with susceptible crops like \u0026ndash; Ginger, Turmeric, Fenugreek, red chili, Bringles, Papaya, Coriander, Carrot, and cabbage spotted during the survey. Different varieties of crops were grown in the previous three years in the same field where tomato plants are cultivated at the present time, explains the occurrence of the high number of nematodes in roots. The previously grown crops provided the infection of tomato plants after planting. Prolonged mono-cropping of susceptible host plants may lead to PPNs build-ups which cause serious crop damage (Bhan, et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR6\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2010\u003c/span\u003e). These areas also receive a substantial amount of rainfall that ensures prolonged moisture in the soil for nematode movement (Waswa et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR34\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2020\u003c/span\u003e). During the survey, it was noticed that site S-1 (Harpura), had a lesser number of total nematodes, this may be the reason that the farmers of that village applied inorganic fertilizer and decomposed cow and buffalo dung, which reduced the total number of nematodes significantly. Organic decomposed manure releases toxic chemical against PPNs and enhances the proliferation of antagonistic micro-organism against PPNs (Waswa et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR34\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2020\u003c/span\u003e). It was observed that infection of PPNs on tomato crops declined significantly during the summer season because hot and dry climatic conditions did not allow them to grow. Tendering support to the above findings, Hussey (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR13\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1996\u003c/span\u003e) stated that hot and arid seasons reduce PPNs infection in crops.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDuring the investigation, it was ascertained that all three sites of tomato plant cultivation had been predominantly affected by PPN genera \u003cem\u003eMeloidogyne\u003c/em\u003e followed by \u003cem\u003ePratylenchus, Rotylenchulus\u003c/em\u003e, and \u003cem\u003eHelicotylenchus\u003c/em\u003e. Vasquez and Soria. 2017 examined the similar distribution of PPNs in tomato crops and \u003cem\u003eMeloidogyne\u003c/em\u003e spp. was noted as the most abundant genera. These PPNs are polyphagous and their huge number is associated with the plantation of tomato crops with other prone host crops. On the other hand, while preparing the questionnaire, the authors' interacted with crop growers and ferreted out that many of them had grown the crop in the past three years which was highly susceptible to PPNs. This could be the key cause of the high number of PPNs extracted from soil and roots. During the survey, the low population of \u003cem\u003eHoplolaimus\u003c/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eCriconema\u003c/em\u003e genera was observed in cultivated lands. Blake (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR7\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1969\u003c/span\u003e) opined that it could be possible because of the presence of other aggressive dominant genera and interspecific competition from other PPNs such as \u003cem\u003eMeloidogyne\u003c/em\u003e. spp., \u003cem\u003ePratylenchus\u003c/em\u003e spp., \u003cem\u003eRotylenchulus\u003c/em\u003e spp., and \u003cem\u003eHelicotylenchus\u003c/em\u003e spp.,\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFree-living nematodes (FLNs) are a very important group of nematodes that feed on bacteria, algae, dead organisms, and living tissues. They release nutrients for plant use and improve soil structure and water-holding capacity. During the present investigation, the count of FLNs, in all three sites S-1, S-2, and S-3 was quite low as compared to PPNs, similar to the findings of Waswa et. al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR34\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2020\u003c/span\u003e. At the crop sites, the farmers were advised to use cow and buffalo dung in the soil because organic amendments (OAs) help in enhancing the FLNs population and combat the population of PPNs as suggested by Hillocks and Waller \u003cspan citationid=\"CR11\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1997\u003c/span\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSoil physiochemical parameters play a vital role in the improvement of soil fertility for the cultivation practices of agricultural crops, tomatoes, and have been found to influence the distribution of PPNs in all three sites of study. According to Kandji et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR15\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2001\u003c/span\u003e and Kimenju et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR17\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2009\u003c/span\u003e, the soil physio-chemical properties regulate the abundance, distribution, and community structure of nematodes. The minimum population of PPNs was recorded in S-1 (Harpura), it might be occurred due to a high level of organic carbon (OC), organic amendments (OAs), and nitrogen (referred to the table-4) in comparison to that of S-2 (Basvan) and S-3 (Chitavar), which were recorded a high number of PPNs. Waswa et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR34\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2020\u003c/span\u003e stated that Organic carbon (OC) increases the number of antagonistic micro-organisms in the soil which reduce the PPNs. On the other hand, Agbenin (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2004\u003c/span\u003e) referred that soil organic amendments (OAs) increase the build-up of nematodes trapping fungi compared with inorganic fertilizers. Nchore et al. 2012 have opined that animal manure has been used in the reduction of RKNs and other PPNs, which is suggestive of the organic management of the PPNs population in tomato crops.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe Physico-chemical analysis of soil also revealed that S-2 and S-3 sites had greater phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) levels than S1. Phosphorus and potassium supplement the nutrition, multiplication, and production of eggs in the nematode population. Potassium also improves root growth, extending the root surface area for nematode attack and feeding (Badra and Yousif. 1979). This observation was in agreement with studies by Kandji et al. (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR15\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2001\u003c/span\u003e), Badra and Yousif. 1979and Wasva et al. 2020.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eMost of the soils in the study sites were red soil (RS) and black soil (BS). According to Talwanaet al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR30\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2008\u003c/span\u003e above types of soil structures support the high nematode population densities. Such soils are highly porous with good aeration and favour the movement of nematodes (Talwanaet al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR30\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2008\u003c/span\u003e. McLean and Lawerence. 2000. Norton and Norton. 1978. Since the survey was conducted during the post-monsoon season (October- December 2021) so all the sites had a copious amount of moisture in the soil which favoured the greater PPN populations. Wallace. 1983 and Jaetzold et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR14\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2006\u003c/span\u003e also postulated similar that humidity and moisture in soil received due to rainfall create a favourable condition for nematode development. Nysani et al. 2008. stated that pH 4\u0026ndash;8 range tolerated by most PPNs, and the present study also revealed that the optimum pH ranged between 7-7.3 which was found conducive for the growth and development of nematodes.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"5. CONCLUSION","content":"\u003cp\u003eThis study revealed that the tomato plant is attacked by diverse PPNs at Baruasagar in Jhansi, India. The most dominant genera infecting tomato production were \u003cem\u003eMeloidogyne\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eRotylenchulus\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003ePratylenchus\u003c/em\u003e, and \u003cem\u003eHelicotylenchus\u003c/em\u003e. Soil physicochemical properties and cultivation practices are the major factors contributing to the increased number of PPNs in tomato-growing fields. Hence, there is a need for further research to identify the nematode species on a molecular basis so that a precise and concrete management strategy could be framed to maintain the PPNs population at a sustainable and below the economic threshold level (ETL). On the other, it is a need of the hour to disseminate agrarian literacy among the farmers to let them educate about hazardous pests like nematodes and the importance of organic solutions as an alternative to non-degradable chemical nematicides.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Abbreviations","content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBS\u003c/strong\u003e = Black Soil\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCri\u003c/strong\u003e = \u003cem\u003eCriconema\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDip\u003c/strong\u003e = \u003cem\u003eDiplogaster\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDor\u003c/strong\u003e = \u003cem\u003eDorylaimus\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFLNs\u003c/strong\u003e = Free living Nematodes\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHel\u003c/strong\u003e =\u003cem\u003eHelicotylenchus\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHop\u003c/strong\u003e = \u003cem\u003eHoplolaimus\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJ2\u003c/strong\u003e = Larval infective stage\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJ4\u003c/strong\u003e = Larval infective stage\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eK\u003c/strong\u003e = Potassium\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMel\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e= \u003cem\u003eMeloidogyne\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMon\u003c/strong\u003e = \u003cem\u003eMononchus\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eN\u003c/strong\u003e = Nitrogen\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eN\u003c/strong\u003e = Number of fields\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOC\u003c/strong\u003e = Organic Carbon\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eP\u003c/strong\u003e = Phosphorus\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePPNs\u003c/strong\u003e = Plant Parasitic Nematodes\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePra\u003c/strong\u003e = \u003cem\u003ePratylenchus\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRot\u003c/strong\u003e = \u003cem\u003eRotylenchulus\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRS\u003c/strong\u003e = Red Soil\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;S.D\u003c/strong\u003e. = Standard deviation\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSite-1\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e= Harpura\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSite-2\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e= Basvan,\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSite-3\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e= Chitavar\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Declarations","content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eACKNOWLEDGMENTS\u003c/u\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e The authors are thankful for the basic laboratory facilities provided by the Department of Zoology, Bipin Bihari College, Jhansi (U.P.) India. The authors are also thankful for the financial assistance given by UGC, India (Ref. NO.: 3724).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eConflict of interest statement\u003c/u\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e-\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003eAuthors have no conflict of interest.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eEthics Approval\u0026nbsp;\u003c/u\u003e\u003c/strong\u003eThere is no requirement for ethical approval to investigate the nematodes.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eResearch involving human participants and/or animals\u003c/u\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e-\u003c/strong\u003e there is no involvement of human participants and/or animals (except Nematodes).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003e\u0026nbsp;Informed Consent\u003c/u\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e-\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e Not applicable\u003cu\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/u\u003e\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"References","content":"\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAgbenin, O.N. (2004). Potentials of organic amendments in the control of plant parasitic nematodes. \u003cem\u003ePlant Protection Science,\u003c/em\u003e 40 (1): 21-25.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAnderson, J. M., \u0026amp; Ingram, J. S. I. (1993). Tropical Soil Biology and Fertility: A Handbook of Methods ; CAB International: Wallimgford, UK. \u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAnwar, S. A., Zia, A., Hussain, M., \u0026amp; Kamran, M. (2007). Host suitability of selected plants to \u003cem\u003eMeloidogyne incognita\u003c/em\u003e in the Punjab, Pakistan. \u003cem\u003eInternational Journal of Nematology,\u003c/em\u003e 17 (2): 144.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBadra, T. \u0026amp; Yousif, G. M. (1979). Comparative effect of potassium level on growth and mineral composition of intact and nematized cowpea and sour orange seedlings. NematologiaMediterranra, 7(1).\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBaermann G. (1917). Eine einfache method zurAuffindung Von Ankylostomum (Larven) in ErdprobenGeneeskundingTijdschriftvoorNederlandsh \u0026ndash; Indie 57:131-137.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBhan, M., McSorley, R., \u0026amp; Chase, C. A. (2010). Effect of cropping system complexity on plant parasitic nematodes associated with organically grown vegetables in Florida. Nematropica, 40(1): 53-70. \u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBlake, C. (1969). Nematodes of banana and their control. In Nematodes of Tropical crops. Technical Communication by Commonwealth Bureau of Helminthology, 40, 109-132.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCourtney, W. D., Polley, D. \u0026amp; Miller, V. L. (1955). TAF, an improved fixative in nematodes technique. \u003cem\u003ePlant disease report\u003c/em\u003e 39:570-571.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDi Mascio, P., Kasier, S. \u0026amp;Sies, H. (1998). Lycopene as most efficient biological carotenoid singlet oxygen quencher. \u003cem\u003eArchives of biochemistry and biophysics\u003c/em\u003e 8, 274-532.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGrover, B. C. C., Israel, L.M., Rosario, Y. B. B., Karen, B. T. \u0026amp; Victor, H. C. C. (2021). Nematodes associated with Andean papaya in sandia district, Puno, Peru. \u003cem\u003eBioagro\u003c/em\u003e 33(3) 191-202.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHillocks, R. J.\u0026amp; Waller, J. M. (1997). Associations between soil borne pathogens and other soil-inhabiting microorganism. In: Hillocks, R. J. And J. M. Waller, (Eds), Soil Disease of Tropical Crops (PP. 351-364). Wallingford, UK: CAB International.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHooper, D. J., Halmannand, J., \u0026amp;Subbotin, S. A. (2005). Three methods for Extraction, Processing and detection of soil nematodes.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHussey, R.S. (1996). Nematode pathogenesis and resistance in plants. Plant cell 8: 755-741.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eJaetzold, R., Schmidt, H., Hornetz, B. \u0026amp; Shisanya, C. (2006). Form management hand book of Kenya Vol. II- Natural conditions and Farm Management information -2\u003csup\u003end\u003c/sup\u003e Edition part c; East Kenya Subpart C1 Eastern province. Ministry of Agriculture, Nairobi, Kenya.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eKandji, S. T., Ogol, C. K., \u0026amp; Albrecht, A. (2001). Diversity of plant parasitic nematodes and their relationship with some soil physic-chemical characteristics in improved follows in western Kenya, \u003cem\u003eApplied soil ecology,\u003c/em\u003e 18(2): 143-157.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eKaruri, W. H., Olago, D., Neilson, R., Njeri, E., Opere, A., \u0026amp; Ndegwa, P., (2017). Plant parasitic nematode assemblages associated with sweet potato in Kenya and their relationship with environmental variables. \u003cem\u003eTropical plant pathology.\u003c/em\u003e 42: 1-2\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eKimenju, J. W., Karanja, N. K., Mutua, G. K., Rimberia, B. M.,\u0026amp; Wachira, P.M. (2009). Nematode community structure as influenced by land use and intensity of cultivation. \u003cem\u003eTropical and subtropical agroecosystem\u003c/em\u003e, 11(2): 353-360.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eKimpinski, J., Gallant, C. E., Henry, R., Macleod, J.A., Sanderson, J.B., \u0026amp;Sturz, A.V. (2003). Effect of compost and manure soil amendments on nematodes and on yields of potato and barley: A 7- year study. \u003cem\u003eJournal of nematology\u003c/em\u003e, 35(3):289.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLambert, K.\u0026amp; Bekal, S. (2002). Introduction of plant-parasitic nematodes. \u003cem\u003eThe Plant Health Instructor,\u003c/em\u003e DOI: 1094/PHI-I-2002-1218-01.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMai, W. F., Mullin, P. G., Lyon, H. H., \u0026amp; Loeffler, K., (1996). Plant- parasitic nematodes: A pictorial key of genera. \u003cem\u003eCornel university press, Ithaca, new York\u003c/em\u003e, 42(5) : 585-586.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMai, W. (2018). Plant- parasitic nematodes: A pictorial key of genera. \u003cem\u003eCornel university press.\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMcLean, K.S.\u0026amp; Lawrence, G.W. (2000). A survey of plant-parasitic nematodes associated with cotton in north eastern Louisiana. \u003cem\u003eJournal of Nematology\u003c/em\u003e, 32 (4S):508. \u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMekete, T., Dababat, A. A., Sekora, N. Akyazi, F., \u0026amp; Abebe, E. (2012). Identification key for agriculturally important plant-parasitic nematodes. \u003cem\u003eA manual of nematology\u003c/em\u003e. CIMMYT.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNchore, S.B. (2012). Incidence, prevalence and management of root-knot nematodes (\u003cem\u003eMeloidogyne\u003c/em\u003e spp.) on selected indigenous leafy vegetables in kissi and trans \u0026ndash;mara counties, Kenya, M.sc thesis, Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNorton, D.C. \u0026amp; Norton, D.C. (1978). Ecology of plant parasitic nematodes. Willew New York.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNyasani, J. O., Kimenju, J. W., Olubayo, F. M., Shibairo, S.I. \u0026amp; Mutua, G. K. (2008). Occurrence of Entomophathogenic Nematodes and their potential in the Management of Diamonback Moth in Kale. \u003cem\u003eAsian Journal of Plant Sciences\u003c/em\u003e. 7(3): 314-318.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePanthee, D. R. \u0026amp;Chen, F. (2009). Genomics of fungal resistance in tomato. \u003cem\u003eCurrent Genomics\u003c/em\u003e, 11, 30-39.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRichards, L. A. (1954). Diagnosis and Improvement Saline and Alkaline Soils; US Department of Agriculture: Washington, DC, USA.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSiddique, S., Zoran, S.R.,\u0026amp; Carola, M.D. (2015). A parasitic nematodes release cytokinin that control cell division and orchestrates feeding site formation in host plants. \u003cem\u003eProc Natl Acad Sci U.S.A\u003c/em\u003e., 112 (41) : 12669-12674.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTalwana, H.L., Butseya, M. M., \u0026amp; Tusime, G. (2008). Occurence of plant parasitic nematodes and factors that enhance population build-up in cereal based cropping system in Uganda. \u003cem\u003eAfrican Crop Science Journal\u003c/em\u003e, 16(2).\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVasquez, P.U. \u0026amp; Soria, C. A. (2017). Nematodosparasitosasociados con tomate de arbol (\u003cem\u003eSolanum betaceum\u003c/em\u003e Cav.) en la sierra del Ecuador. RevistaEcuatoriana de Medicina y CienciasBiologicas, 38 : 107-118.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWallace, H. R. (1983). Interaction between nematodes and other factors on plants. \u003cem\u003eJournal of Nematology\u003c/em\u003e,15(2):221.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWangai, K. J., Nzesya, M. J., Maina, M. W., Peter, W. M.,\u0026amp; Elijah, G. K. (2014). Plant parasitic nematodes associated with coffee in Kenya and factors influencing their occurrence, abundance and diversity. Journal of Biology, \u003cem\u003eAgriculture and Health care\u003c/em\u003e. 4:120-129.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWaswa, J., Waceke, J.W.,\u0026amp; Shem, N. (2020). Diversity of Ecology of plant parasitic nematodes of tree tomato (Solanum betaceum Cav.) in Kiambu and Embu Counties, Kenya. \u003cem\u003eJournal of Agriculture Research\u003c/em\u003e. 9:605-616.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWener, J. N. (2000). Agriculture Support Portal. www.agrisupportonline.com. Accessed on 23/11/16.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ol\u003e"}],"fulltextSource":"","fullText":"","funders":[],"hasAdminPriorityOnWorkflow":false,"hasManuscriptDocX":true,"hasOptedInToPreprint":true,"hasPassedJournalQc":"","hasAnyPriority":false,"hideJournal":false,"highlight":"","institution":"","isAcceptedByJournal":false,"isAuthorSuppliedPdf":false,"isDeskRejected":"","isHiddenFromSearch":false,"isInQc":false,"isInWorkflow":false,"isPdf":false,"isPdfUpToDate":true,"isWithdrawnOrRetracted":false,"journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"journal-of-parasitic-diseases","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"externalIdentity":"jopd","sideBox":"Learn more about [Journal of Parasitic Diseases](https://www.springer.com/journal/12639)","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"https://www.editorialmanager.com/jopd/default.aspx","title":"Journal of Parasitic Diseases","twitterHandle":"","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":true,"editorialSystem":"em","reportingPortfolio":"Springer Hybrid","inReviewEnabled":true,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":false},"keywords":"Genera diversity, Necrosis, Physico-chemical, Plant parasitic nematodes, Tomato","lastPublishedDoi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-3316381/v1","lastPublishedDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-3316381/v1","license":{"name":"CC BY 4.0","url":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"},"manuscriptAbstract":"\u003cp\u003eTomato (\u003cem\u003eLycopersicon esculentum\u003c/em\u003e) is an important high-value vegetable crop and acts as a natural medicine that alleviates the risk of a condition such as cancer and cardiovascular disease. Plant parasitic nematodes are obligate biotrophic feeders that cause the most devastating phytoeconomic damage to tomato cultivation across the globe. Their infection may lead to a spectrum of disorders like stunting, necrosis, and wilting followed by lessening production. The present investigation embraces an extensive survey work (from October to December 2021) of three tomato crop production sites at Baruasagar in Jhansi and throws light on the occurrence, distribution, and genera diversity of parasitic nematodes in soil and root samples. The morphological identification of six genera \u003cem\u003eMeloidogyne\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003ePratylenchus\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eHoplolaimus\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eHelicotylenchus, \u003c/em\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eRotylenchulus,\u003c/em\u003eand \u003cem\u003eCriconema \u003c/em\u003ewas also undertaken in the study. The Root-knot nematodes (\u003cem\u003eMeloidogyne\u003c/em\u003e genus) and lesion nematodes (\u003cem\u003ePratylenchus\u003c/em\u003e genus) were the most abundant PPNs in tomato crops. The study also highlighted the varying physicochemical properties of soil played a significant role in the abundance of nematode genera.\u003c/p\u003e","manuscriptTitle":"Survey and Distribution of Plant Parasitic Nematodes Infecting Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) in Jhansi, (India)","msid":"","msnumber":"","nonDraftVersions":[{"code":1,"date":"2024-06-25 18:39:33","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-3316381/v1","editorialEvents":[{"type":"communityComments","content":0},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"","date":"2024-10-05T12:56:58+00:00","index":0,"fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewersInvited","content":"","date":"2024-06-10T12:08:05+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorInvited","content":"Journal of Parasitic Diseases","date":"2023-10-22T13:01:28+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorAssigned","content":"","date":"2023-09-04T05:17:47+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"submitted","content":"Journal of Parasitic Diseases","date":"2023-09-02T21:19:01+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""}],"status":"published","journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"journal-of-parasitic-diseases","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"externalIdentity":"jopd","sideBox":"Learn more about [Journal of Parasitic Diseases](https://www.springer.com/journal/12639)","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"https://www.editorialmanager.com/jopd/default.aspx","title":"Journal of Parasitic Diseases","twitterHandle":"","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":true,"editorialSystem":"em","reportingPortfolio":"Springer Hybrid","inReviewEnabled":true,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":false}}],"origin":"","ownerIdentity":"e03ba10a-a2a0-46c4-b901-86d7e23d7643","owner":[],"postedDate":"June 25th, 2024","published":true,"recentEditorialEvents":[],"rejectedJournal":[],"revision":"","amendment":"","status":"under-review","subjectAreas":[],"tags":[],"updatedAt":"2024-06-25T18:39:33+00:00","versionOfRecord":[],"versionCreatedAt":"2024-06-25 18:39:33","video":"","vorDoi":"","vorDoiUrl":"","workflowStages":[]},"version":"v1","identity":"rs-3316381","journalConfig":"researchsquare"},"__N_SSP":true},"page":"/article/[identity]/[[...version]]","query":{"redirect":"/article/rs-3316381","identity":"rs-3316381","version":["v1"]},"buildId":"qtupq5eGEP_6zYnWcrvyt","isFallback":false,"isExperimentalCompile":false,"dynamicIds":[84888],"gssp":true,"scriptLoader":[]}