POPULATION DYNAMICS OF NEMATODES IN WINTER WHEAT

Population dynamics of nematodes in winter wheat were investigated during 2000/2001 years on the area of Knezevo in Baranya county, Croatia. The samples of soil were taken six times during the growing season (from sowing time in autumn, until the end of the vegetation). Total number of nematodes as well as number of genera occurred in samples increased during the vegetation period. Total number of nematodes was the lowest in October, and the highest in April. Similar results occurred in number of genera, the lowest in October, and the highest in March. Population of plant parasitic nematodes was highest in autumn period, and decreased during winter and spring period. Population of bacterivorous nematodes increased over the vegetation period, and were highest in spring. In May, bacterial feeding nematodes reached 65 % of all nematodes and became the most abundant feeding group in the investigation.