Seasonal dynamics of phytonematodes associated with olive cv. Toffahi affected by soil temperature and moisture

Abstract

Seasonal dymamics of the renifonn nematode, Rotylenchulus renifonms in soil and roots and the spiral nematode, Helicotylenchus sp. in soil of olive (Olea europaea L.) cv. Toffahi over one year were analyzed. Population densities of both nematodes reached higher populations in spring with the onset root growth through summer and Minter and significantly (p<0.05) declined m autumn revealing that these nematodes were negatively conelated Mith the prevailing soil temperature CC) and were positively conelated WIth percentage soil moisture at different sampling months and seasons. Conelation coefficients (r) were calculated to ascertain these relationships