Assessment of root knot nematode incidence as indicator of mangrove biodiversity in Lunao, Gingoog City

Authors: Hazel R. Balan, Lilia Z. Boyles

Journal Name: Plant Science Archives 1(1), 22-30, 2016.

Abstract

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This study aimed to determine the biodiversity of mangrove species in two different sites; Site 1 (more disturbed) and Site 2 (less disturbed) and assess the incidence and severity of nematode in three mangrove species, Avicennia officinalis, Rhizophora apiculata and Sonneratia ovata. Inventory within the 600 sq. meters or 0.06 of a hectare in Lunao mangrove area, revealed 6 species in three families consisting of 37 individuals in site 1 and 62 in site 2. The most species rich family was Avicenniceae. Mangrove species located at site 2 had a higher value of diversity index than site 1.This indicates that species richness and density were profoundly observed in less disturbed site. The assessment revealed that the severity and incidence of root galls in three mangrove species were higher in site 1(60 %)-more disturbed area compared to site 2 (46.67 %) –less disturbed area. Out of the three mangrove species examined, Sonneratia ovata, obtained the highest % of root knot incidence and severity for both sites 1 and 2. The assessment revealed that the severity and incidence of root galls in three mangrove species were higher in more disturbed area. Several kinds of wastes and accumulated inorganic materials like plastics, rubber and the like are already observable in site 1 since this area is near the open portion prone for possible human activities and disturbance. This shows that site 1 is likely polluted, the incidence of nematodes increases as indicated by greater number of root galls which in turn revealed low diversity value of mangrove species. Hence, nematode incidence can be a potential indicator of sediment quality that affects mangrove diversity.