Nematode assemblages in the rhizosphere of spring barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) depended on fertilisation and plant growth phase

Nematodes from rhizosphere soil of barley grown at three fertiliser treatments (control (0), NK and NPK) were studied in a field experiment. Sampling was done twice, during vegetative growth and flowering, respectively, to determine how fertiliser effects on nematode assemblages depended on plant growth phase. At the growth stage the proportion of fungal feeding nematodes (dominated by Aphelenchoides spp. and Aphelenchus sp.) was highest in NK. During flowering, the abundance and proportion of fungal feeders in the 0 and NPK plots had increased and reached a level similar to the NK plot. Overall densities of bacterial feeders (mainly Cephalobidae and Rhabditidae) were similar, but opportunistic bacterial feeders constituted a higher proportion in the fertilised plots compared to the unfertilised. Ectoparasitic plant feeders (Tylenchorhynchus sp.) were more numerous in NK and NPK than in the control at both sampling dates. Endoparasite (Pratylenchus spp.) numbers were lower in the NPK plot at the growth stage. Numbers of Tylenchidae increased between samplings. The classification of Tylenchidae as epidermal cell and root hair feeders as opposed to hyphal feeders is discussed. Results thus indicate that: (i) bacterial and especially fungal feeding nematodes are stimulated by unbalanced fertilisation; (ii) ectoparasitic plant feeders are stimulated by N-fertilisation, while migratory endoparasites are inhibited at high and balanced fertilisation; (iii) nutrient effects diminish after plants reach the flowering stage.