Analysing the characteristics of soil nematode communities at pepper (Piper nigrum L.) cultivation area in Loc Hung commune, Loc Ninh district, Binh Phuoc province

Pepper ( Piper nigrum L.) is a high economic value plant species that brings the main income to the people at Loc Hung commune. So the pepper’s yield plays a significant role in people’s life in this region. To assess the influence of environmental factors on the growth and development of pepper, we need to analyse the structural characteristics of soil nematode communities in order to promptly detect the levels of parasitic nematodes infection as well as assessment of soil environment status based on nematode communities. Study results at five sampling stations are analyses of 30 genera of nematodes belonging to 6 major trophic groups (bacterial feeders, fungal feeders, algal feeders, omnivores, carnivores and plant parasites). Calculation results of indices such as SUM(MI), SUM(MI2-5), MI and PPI showed that soil nematodes community is very little affected by the bacteria feeder group and the rate of parasitic nematode pepper quite severe. Analysis of correlation between trophic groups showed that nematodes are sensitive to environmental factors. This means the potential use of nematodes as a biological indicator for soil quality is possible.