Abstract

In a previous study, soil suppressiveness to populations of the plant-parasitic nematode Meloidogyne incognita was correlated with abundance of omnivore and predatory nematodes. In the current study, performance of the regulatory function switched from nematodes to tardigrades when predatory nematodes disappeared due to predation pressure and/or unfavorable environmental conditions. Two tardigrade species, Macrobiotus richtersi and M. harmsworthi effectively suppressed nematode populations. While there were significant changes in the soil food web over time, the regulatory function was maintained. Under experimental conditions, M. richtersi consumed 61 nematodes per day, indicating that tardigrades may significantly reduce nematode biomass. The impact of tardigrades on soil food web dynamics and their relationships with nematodes are discussed.

Full Text
Paper version not known

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.