author(s)
P Anupriya, B Anita, P Kalaiarasan and G Karthikeyan

abstract
Assessment of the plant parasitic nematode population is an important tool for determining the damage caused by nematodes based on which suitable nematode management practices can be recommended. Analysis of distribution, frequency and population of plant parasitic nematode genera associated with the rhizosphere of major temperate vegetables viz., carrot, potato and garlic in The Nilgiris district was done. Composite soil samples were randomly collected, processed and nematode population was estimated as per standard protocol. Overall results revealed the presence of 13 genera belonging to 9 families of 2 orders of plant parasitic nematodes in The Nilgiris district. Nematode genera viz., Pratylenchus spp, Helicotylenchus spp, Hoplolaimus spp, Globodera spp, Meloidogyne spp, Tylenchorynchus spp, Tylenchus spp, Aphelenchus spp, Xiphinema spp, Longidorus spp. and Trichodorus spp. were recorded in the rhizosphere region. The assessment of community structure of plant parasitic nematodes associated with carrot, potato and garlic in The Nilgiris revealed variation in their frequency, density and diversity. In carrot, Meloidogyne spp. was the more frequently occurring nematode having an absolute frequency of 96.64% and prominence value of 5.92. In potato, Globodera spp. was the more frequently occurring nematode having an absolute frequency of 95.7% and prominence value of 4.55. In garlic, Pratylenchus spp. was the more frequently occurring nematode having an absolute frequency of 94.43% and prominence value of 4.15.