Occurrence and Distribution of Plant Parasitic Nematodes Associated with Recreational Turf Soils of Federal University Otuoke, Niger Delta Region of Nigeria

Abstract

Plant-parasitic nematodes pose a hidden threat to turfgrass health by damaging root systems and weakening sports playing surfaces. This study assessed the presence, relative abundance, and vertical distribution of phytoparasitic nematodes associated with turfgrass at the Federal University Otuoke football field in Bayelsa State, Nigeria. Soil samples were collected from the field, and nematodes were extracted using the modified Baermann tray technique and examined microscopically for identification to the genus level. A total of 188 phytoparasitic nematodes belonging to six genera were recovered. Meloidogyne spp. was the most prevalent group, accounting for 29.8% (56 individuals) of the total assemblage, followed by Longidorus spp. (17.6%, 33), Tylenchus spp. (17.0%, 32), Heterodera spp. (13.3%, 25), Pratylenchus spp. (12.2%, 23), and Radopholus spp. (10.1%, 19). Analysis of vertical distribution across soil core depths showed that nematode population density increased with depth: 18.6% (35) in the 0–10 cm depth, 29.3% (55) in the 11–20 cm depth, and 52.1% (98) in the 21–30 cm depth. All six genera were present in the 21–30 cm soil layer, indicating that deeper soil serves as a primary reservoir for phytoparasitic nematodes at this site. The findings confirm that the football field turf supports a diverse nematode community dominated by root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.), providing essential baseline data to inform future turf diagnosis, health monitoring, and management strategies in Nigeria.