Species Diversity and Multivariate Analysis of Nematode Communities Associated with Guava (Psidium guajava L.) in Karachi District, Sindh

Composition and diversity of nematode communities associated with the rhizosphere of guava (Psidium guajava L.) was investigated in 10 localities of Karachi district, Sindh, Pakistan. Overall 14 species of nematodes were recorded. Cluster analysis of localities based on nematode composition discloses two major groups. The first group was dominated by Meloidogyne javanica, Pratylenchus sp., Helicotylenchus indicus and Basiria graminophila. The other group was predominantly composed of Rotylenchulus reniformis, Helicotylenchus digonicus and Aglenchus siddiquii. The soil for the first group were loamy sand with high pH and low water retaining capacity while the other group had sandy loam soil with relatively lower pH and higher water holding capacity. Malir showed highest species diversity while SITE had lowest diversity. Equitability was highest for Karachi University sample.