Current Status of Phytonematodes Associated with The Rhizosphere of Some Cultivars of Maize (Zea mays L.) in Two Types of Soil in Egypt

Phytonematodes are one of the most important pathogens of cereal crops, especially maize (corn). The current study aimed to conduct a survey of phytonematodes associated with the rhizosphere of some dominant cultivars of maize ( Zea mays L.) in clay and sandy soils in different geographical areas (Sohag and Behaira Governorates). Data revealed a significant difference between nematode population density and soil type between clay and sandy. As well as, the differentiation of maize cultivars in their ability to reproduce nematodes. Also, results showed the spread of six genera of nematodes in the rhizosphere of the maize plants in sandy soil, which belong to three families; Helicotylenchus , Heterodera , Hoplolaimus , Meloidogyne and Tylenchorhynchus . While only three of them appeared in the clay soil; Heterodera , Paratylenchus and Tylenchorhynchus . In addition, the Pioneer cultivar recorded the highest population density of nematodes (427) in the clay soil, followed by the Triple hybrid cultivar and then the cultivar of Hybrid 131(425). While in sandy soils, the Hi-tech cultivar achieved the highest population density (742) compared to the same cultivar in clay soil (471).