The Influence of Selected Abiotic Factors on the Occurrence of Entomopathogenic Nematodes (Steinernematidae, Heterorhabditidae) in Soil

Abstract

Original research confirms a significant impact of abiotic factors, such as soil type and physicochemical properties, on the biological activity and infectivity of entomopathogenic nematodes from the Steinernematidae and Heterorhabditidae families. Nematodes were found to prefer sandy loam soils; however, the highest species diversity was found in sandy soils. Some species of nematodes were associated with a specific type of soil. For example, Steinernema silvaticum and Heterorhabditis bacteriophora were found only in sands, and H. megidis predominantly in clay. Nematodes were found in soils of varying pH levels, although individual species preferred a certain degree of acidity. S. bicornutum and H. megidis were found only in alkaline soils, while others, such as S. silvaticum, only in acidic environments (pH<4.5).