Study of diversity and seasonal fluctuation of Phytonematodes associated with citrus plants in Jalna district, Maharashtra, India
Author(s): Pooja Katare
Authors Affiliations:
Research Scholar, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Maharashtra
DOIs:10.2017/IJRCS/202511005 | Paper ID: IJRCS202511005The present study investigates the diversity, seasonal fluctuation, and ecological interactions of phytonematodes associated with citrus orchards in Jalna district, Maharashtra, India. Surveys were conducted across eight tehsils between 2021 and 2023, covering both sweet lime (Citrus limetta) and lemon (Citrus limon) plantations. A total of six nematode genera were identified: Tylenchulus, Pratylenchus, Helicotylenchus, Xiphinema, Hoplolaimus, and Meloidogyne. Among these, Tylenchulus semipenetrans was most dominant (82% frequency), followed by Pratylenchus (63%) and Helicotylenchus (49%). Seasonal monitoring revealed significant population fluctuations, with the highest densities observed during the monsoon (favored by 18–22% soil moisture and 25–30 °C temperature), moderate populations in winter, and the lowest densities in summer due to high temperature and low soil moisture. Diversity indices confirmed greater richness and evenness during monsoon (Shannon Index H′ = 1.36; Evenness E = 0.74) compared to summer (H′ = 0.72; E = 0.41).Yield analysis showed that nematode infestation reduced citrus productivity substantially. Sweet lime orchards recorded 27.1% fewer fruits and 15.2% lower fruit weight, while lemon orchards exhibited 18.3% and 15.3% reductions, respectively. Soil analysis indicated that sandy loam soils, neutral pH (6.5–7.5), higher organic carbon, and optimal moisture favored nematode proliferation, whereas compact black cotton soils restricted populations.The findings highlight T. semipenetrans as the major constraint to citrus cultivation in Jalna and emphasize the need for integrated nematode management strategies focusing on soil health, resistant rootstocks, and sustainable practices to reduce yield losses and improve citrus productivity.
Pooja Katare (2025); Study of diversity and seasonal fluctuation of Phytonematodes associated with citrus plants in Jalna district, Maharashtra, India, International Journal of Research Culture Society, ISSN(O): 2456-6683, Volume – 9, Issue – 11, Pp. 27-39. Available on – https://ijrcs.org/
CABI. (2021, November 16). Tylenchulus semipenetrans (citrus root nematode) (p. 61059). https://doi.org/10.1079/cabicompendium.61059
Deshmukh, S., Borde, S., & Barote, V. (n.d.). Prevalence of citrus nematodes in different localities around Aurangabad city, district Aurangabad (M.S.), India.
George, A., Rao, C. N., Ghike, S., & Dhengre, V. N. (n.d.). Impact of weather on seasonality of phytophagous mites and their natural enemies associated with citrus in Vidarbha region of Maharashtra, India.
Kesba, H., Al-Shayeb, M., Hamed, L., El-Ganainy, S., Chellappan, B., & El-Mogy, M. (2025). Plant-parasitic nematodes associated with Citrus aurantiifolia (Christm.) Swingle and their relationship with soil type. Acta Scientiarum Polonorum Hortorum Cultus, 24(4), 67–80. https://doi.org/10.24326/asphc.2025.5497
Kumar, K. K., & Das, A. (n.d.). Diversity and community analysis of plant parasitic nematodes associated with citrus at citrus research station, Tinsukia, Assam. Journal of Entomology and Zoology Studies.
Kumar, K. K., Das, A. K., & Sinh, D. P. (2025). Diversity of plant-parasitic nematodes associated with Assam lemon. International Journal of Plant & Soil Science, 37(2), 372–377. https://doi.org/10.9734/ijpss/2025/v37i25339
Lavhe, N., et al. (2024). Spatial and temporal prevalence of plant parasitic nematodes of citrus in Vidarbha region. Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry, 13(2), 110–113. https://doi.org/10.22271/phyto.2024.v13.i2b.14874
Naqvi, S. A. H., et al. (2022). Citrus canker—Distribution, taxonomy, epidemiology, disease cycle, pathogen biology, detection, and management: A critical review and future research agenda. Agronomy, 12(5), 1075. https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy12051075
Siddiqui, M. A. (2007). Seasonal fluctuation in nematode population associated with mango (Mangifera indica L.). Archives of Phytopathology and Plant Protection, 40(6), 389–394. https://doi.org/10.1080/03235400600627601
Zoubi, B., et al. (2022). Occurrence and geographic distribution of plant-parasitic nematodes associated with citrus in Morocco and their interaction with soil patterns. Life, 12(5), 637. https://doi.org/10.3390/life12050637