Nematodes from Konza tallgrass prairie: Rich diversity in a temperate ecosystem

P.G. Mullin (2001 Grant Recipient), A.L. Szalanski, B. Higgins, and T.O. Powers.

Department of Plant Pathology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

A survey of the nematode fauna associated with C3 and C4 grasses at the Konza Prairie LTER in Manhattan, Kansas has revealed the presence of at least 124 genera and 384 morphologically determined species of soil-inhabiting nematodes in a relatively small area of undisturbed native prairie. This total significantly exceeds previous reports from Konza, from other temperate grasslands, and from all other terrestrial ecosystems, including tropical rainforests. Total nematode populations range from 321 to 2350 per 100 cc of soil, with an average of 802 per 100 cc (approximately 1.5 million per square meter). An average of 54 morphologically distinct forms is observed in a given 100 cc soil sample, with a range of 31 to 70 forms. Of the 384 species recorded, 115 (30%) have been detected in only one sample, while 324 (84%) have been found in 25% or fewer of the samples examined. Two species, Aporcelaimellus obscurus (a predator) and Helicotylenchus platyurus (an herbivore), have been found in all 56 of the samples. At least 7 of the observed morphological species appear to be undescribed. Members of the Dorylaimida (39 genera, 150 species) and Tylenchida (32 genera, 110 species) are the most frequently encountered, with representatives of 12 additional orders also observed. Predaceous and/or omnivorous nematodes (predominantly Dorylaimida) exhibit the greatest diversity, based on the number of genera recorded. Microbivorous nematodes (including Cephalobidae, Plectidae, and Rhabditidae) are relatively infrequent.

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