This study investigates soil nematode communities in four distinct chickpea cultivation areas in Aksaray, T & uuml;rkiye, to understand their composition, ecological functions, and impact on soil health. Chickpeas, as the nitrogen-fixing crop, play a vital role in sustainable agriculture, supporting soil health and providing economic benefits in rural areas. Soil nematodes, however, including plant-parasitic types like root-knot and lesion nematodes, pose risks to chickpea yield by damaging root systems, thus necessitating effective management strategies. The research took place from May to December 2023 at D & uuml;zce University's Nematology Laboratory. Soil samples from four locations (Akg & uuml;l & uuml;, Ba & gbreve;& imath;nba & scedil;& imath;, Camili and G & ouml;ll & uuml;) in Aksaray were collected and using the Baermann funnel technique nematodes were exracted. Nematode identification and ecological parameter analyses used for nematode based biological monitoring were conducted with light microscopy and structured taxonomic keys. The study grouped the nematodes based on feeding behaviors, showing distinct profiles across locations: bacterivores dominated in Akg & uuml;l & uuml;, while Ba & gbreve;& imath;nba & scedil;& imath; had a higher prevalence of plant parasitic nematodes, suggesting soil biodiversity challenges. Analysis of soil food webs indicated a stressed ecosystem in Akg & uuml;l & uuml; and enriched, structured soil in Ba & gbreve;& imath;nba & scedil;& imath;, as shown by higher enrichment and structure index values. These patterns highlight the effects of soil management on nematode communities, with biodiversity directly linked to soil health and chickpea productivity. Findings emphasize that integrated pest management, including crop rotation and resistant chickpea varieties, is essential to mitigate the effects of nematodes. The study provides insights into nematode-driven soil dynamics and underscores the need for further research on nematode impacts in various agroecosystems, particularly for sustainable chickpea cultivation.

The prevalence and abundance of plant-parasitic nematodes (PPNs) associated with corn ( Zea mays; Poaceae) in the Anuradhapura district of Sri Lanka are poorly understood. This study investigated the occurrence and population densities of major PPN genera associated with corn. Over 92% of the corn fields were positive for PPNs in all the sampled fields. Major PPN genera identified were Pratylenchus spp. (71.4%), Helicotylenchus spp. (28.6%), Meloidogyne spp. (21.4%), Criconemella spp. (21.4%), and Hoplolaimus spp. (35.7%). The mean population density of Pratylenchus spp. was 2020 nematodes kg-1 of soil, in the Anuradhapura corn fields. During the cropping season from November (2021) to February (2022), all PPN genera except Meloidogyne spp. were observed. Pratylenchus spp. were detected at levels below 1000 nematodes kg-1 of soil at the seedling stage, except in Kelenikawewa where the initial population was 1865 nematodes kg-1 . At the time of harvest, Pratylenchus spp. increased by 2 to 10 folds. These findings suggest a potential impact of Pratylenchus spp. on corn yield in Anuradhapura, highlighting the need for further research to assess damage levels and the overall effect of PPNs on corn production in Sri Lanka.