A Comparative Diversity Analysis of Soil Nematodes of Rajouri, Jammu and Kashmir, India

Diversity of Nematode communities in Pir Panjal range of Jammu and Kashmir along with nematodes’ driven indices were studied. Himalayan mountainous areas of district Rajouri were selected. Community composition and trophic structure (feeding types) were assessed and were analyzed at various altitudes and across varied habitats, which differ significantly on moving from low elevation to high elevation areas. A total of 47 genera were recorded across mountain clines. In terms of taxonomic groups, in higher elevations, the order Dorylaimids represent 55.18%, followed by Tylenchida 28.85%, Mononchida 2.38%, Rhabditida 2.18%, and Aphelenchida 2.05%, whereas in the lower reaches, the order Rhabditida represent 30.18%, followed by Dorylaimids 28.75%, Tylenchida 15.85%, Mononchida 10.05% and Aphelenchida 1.05%. In terms of trophic groups, in the upper reaches, omnivores (56.6%) predominate, representing highest number, followed by plant parasitic (33.4%), bacterivore (4.2%), predatory (3.2%) and fungivore (2.60%). In the lower reaches, Bacterivores (38.08%) predominates, followed by omnivores (29.85%), plant parasitic (18.5%), predatory (12.5%) and fungivores (1.07%). The total nematode abundance and diversity were found increasing with elevation This pattern applied to most genera and feeding types. Across the regions, nematode diversity and community composition increases positively with elevations and richer habitats as given by Simpson index and Shannon-Weaver index. We conclude that nematode assemblages are potentially good bioindicators of climate change. They reacted sensitively and predictably to the changing environment. Thus, nematodes have suitability for long-term monitoring of biodiversity and community changes. Sampling techniques are well standardized and inexpensive. Furthermore, feeding types of nematodes can be determined with minimal taxonomic skills.