Ring and Spiral nematodes reproduction and Turfgrass growth as influenced by heavymetals treatments

This research was carried out to study the effect of heavy metals accumulation on ring and spiral nematodes which were in high ratios of abundance and density on paspalum in the survey studies. There were direct correlations between concentration, method of application of lead chloride, cadmium chloride, copper sulphate and Criconemoides and Helicotylenchus reproduction. Almost heavy metals concentrations tested (10 & 20 ppm) altered normal growth of nematodes and were toxic to ring more than spiral nematodes. All concentrations applied to soil were more malignant in reducing nematode final populations and build up. Copper sulphate at 20 ppm achieved ultimate reductions in final population and build up of both nematodes. Lead and cadmium at 10 ppm were referred lowest reduction when applied as soil drench and foliar spray. The spiral nematodes tolerated to some extent the lower concentrations of sprayed elements when compared with the ring nematode, however 20 ppm of lead or cadmium reduced plant growth criteria and was more pronounced than 10 ppm in foliar or soil drench treatments and opposite results were recorded with copper sulphate treatment. Soil drench treatments raised highly the accumulative soil contents of lead, cadmium and copper when compared with untreated checks. Shoots and roots analysis proved that nematode inoculated plants achieved significant increase in lead, cadmium or copper. Twenty ppm of soil drench achieved the ultimate rate of shoot and root heavy metals contents. Generally, soil and plant contents of heavy metals fluctuated higher or lower according to element, its concentration and method of application.