Effect of Edaphic Factors on Mononchids in the Rhizophere of Polyhouse Grown Flower Crops

Edaphic factors viz; soil pH, soil moisture, soil temperature and soil organic carbon, in relation to mononchid populations, revealed positive correlation between the two. Acidic soils in the pH range of 3.69–5.73 were found free from the mononchid populations, while a proportionate increase in their population was observed within a pH range of 5.78–6.58. However, after a pH above 7.0 there was recorded gradual decline in the population. Soil temperature between 20.6–23.0°C supported higher populations of the predatory nematodes, while at low soil temperature (14.4–20.0°C), the nematodes were absent/low in the rhizosphere. Low soil moisture content (12.80–14.16%) did not support mononchid populations, while the nematodes were found prevalent at higher moisture levels (17.71–24.53%). Higher organic carbon contents (3.06–4.28%) supported higher mononchid population around the plant roots and vice versa.