Ref ID : 1768
Krystyna Prejs; A field and laboratory study of the relation between some stylet-bearing nematodes and some aquatic vascular plants. Arch.Hydrobiol. 110(2):237-258, 1987
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Nematodes: Hirschmanniella gracilis, Calolaimus ditlevseni, Chrysonemoides limigenus and Dorylaimidae (Dorylaimus spp. and Laimydorus spp.) were investigated relative to three pond-weeds common in eutrophic lakes (Potamogeton pectinatus, P. lucens and P. perfoliatus). Whereas Hirschmanniella, Calolaimus and Chrysonemoides were several times more abundant in the plants than in the bottom sediments, Dorylaimidae were much more abundant in the sediment. The field studies, conducted on several Masurian lakes (northern Poland), dealt with the density of nematodes in relation to the degree of rhizome damage, rates of colonization for particular Potamogeton species and nematode distribution in the roots, clean rhizomes and in the damaged areas of rhizomes. The laboratory investigations focused on the penetrability and rate of penetration of rhizomes, the searching and feeding behaviour of particular taxa of nematodes and their food preferences. The densest infestation of Hirschmanniela gracilis was found on P. pectinatus whereas Calolaimus ditlevseni was more dense on P. lucens and P. perfoliatus. To find an explanation for this, it was necessary to analyse the biology of these nematodes and the biology and morphological characteristics on the host plants. Hirschmanniella, which is the only true plant-feeder, can be considered a parasite. The commensals, Calolaimus and Chrysonemoides, appear to utilize mainly decomposing plant tissue. The group with the broadest food spectrum, Dorylaimidae, is the least associated with plants.