Nematode Community Structure in Musa acuminata Colla (Lakatan) Farms with Continuous Cropping System
Nematode Community Structure in Musa acuminata Colla (Lakatan) Farms with Continuous Cropping System
Baby Nhor K. Ambel1*, Nneka Djen A. Matandog1, Neil Pep Dave N. Sumaya2, Florence Roy P. Salvaña1, Bryan Lloyd P. Bretaña1 and Ma. Teodora N. Cabasan1*
ABSTRACT
Monocropping is commonly practiced by small-scale banana farmers for ease of management; however, concerns arise regarding its long-term effects on soil health and ecosystem stability. In order to ascertain the fact, this study investigated the impact of different durations of monocropping Lakatan banana on soil health as reflected by nematode community structure. For the extraction of nematodes, soil and root samples were collected from various banana farms practicing monocropping for 2-4, 5-9 and 10-15 years. Farms with prolonged monocropping showed an increased population of plant-parasitic nematodes compared to free-living nematodes. Nematode family Hoplolaimidae was recorded as the most dominant (59.59%-80.49%) across all monocropping durations. Shannon and Simpson’s diversity indices were lowest at 10-15 years of continuous monocropping period, as compared to 2-4 years and 5-9-years. Maturity index (MI, 2.26) was highest at 5-9 years of continuous cultivation while structure index (SI, 68.93), and enrichment index (EI, 73.74) were highest in banana farms with monocropping periods of 2-4 years, and lower in banana farms with longer monocropping periods. Higher plant parasite index (PPI, 2.89-2.93) and PPI/MI (1.37) ratios were observed in monocropping periods of 10-15 years. Analysis of the c-p data indicated that soil conditions approach stress levels when farms are cultivated under 10-15 years of monoculture. Soil food web analysis revealed disturbances in the soil ecosystem, particularly in banana monocropping farms used for 5-15 years. Continuous monocropping for 5-15 years could disrupt the soil conditions, as evidenced by changes in the nematode community structure. These findings highlight that nematode communities can serve as sensitive indicators of soil quality and have the potential to elucidate the impact of farming management on soil health.
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