Distribution patterns and sampling.

Abstract

The spatial pattern of plant-parasitic nematode populations in an agricultural or natural ecosystem has two major components: (i) the horizontal distribution; and (ii) the vertical distribution of the organism throughout the soil or tillage. Both components will change in time because of different aspects of population dynamics, active and passive redistribution and spread. This chapter discusses both the horizontal and vertical distribution patterns of nematode species with emphasis on their origination and, most importantly, how this knowledge can be applied for practical use in the science of nematology and in the control of those plant-parasitic nematodes regarded as pests.