Assessment of nematode pests of ornamental plants in Federal University Otuoke, Bayelsa State, Nigeria.

A survey at Federal University Otuoke, Bayelsa State in Nigeria assessed nematode infestation of ornamental plants, highlighting their significance in human existence, medicine, and air purification. Identification of the ornamental plants was done prior to sampling. Soil and roots samples were collected simultaneously using soil auger and kitchen knife at 0-20 cm core depth. Nematode extraction was done using a modified sieve plate method, and identification was done using a pictorial key. The study found an overall abundance of 2,149 nematodes, with 12 genera identified. Genera of eminent species noticed in this survey were Aphelenchoides, Ditylenchus, Gracilachus, Helicotylenchus, Heterodera species, Longidorus, Meloidogyne, Nacobbus, Pratylenchus, Rotylenchulus, Tylenchus and Xiphinema species. Nematode richness of 942 (43.8%) and 1,207 (56.2%) were recorded at the East and West campuses respectively. Copious number was recorded for Heterodera species (13.3%) and Pratylenchus species (26.1%) in soil at West and East campuses respectively; while in the root tissues of the ornamental plants, Helicotylenchus species (26.9%) and Ditylenchus species (27.8%) were predominant at respective campuses. The most susceptible ornamental plants were Chrysothemis pulchella (Sunset bells) (19.0%) and Codiaeum variegatum (Croton) (14.6%) at East and West campuses respectively. The study found that the susceptibility level of each ornamental plant significantly influenced nematode richness within the campus (P 0.05). The survey concluded that phyto-parasitic nematodes are factual pests that can impede quality production and supply of ornamentals plants in Otuoke if not checked. However, attention on nematode pest of ornamentals in Otuoke will guarantee market for gardeners, preserve nature's beauty, and provide residents with clean air for healthy living. The study recommends gardeners use composited poultry droppings as manure to outweigh the effects of nematode infestation.