Biological Systems: Theory and Innovation

Species composition and structure of the phytoneamatode complex of soybean in the Right-Bank Forest-Steppe of Ukraine

Valeriy Pashkovsky, Oleksandr Babych
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Abstract

The aim of the study was to determine the species composition as well as the taxonomic and ecological structure of the phytoneamatode complex associated with soybean under conditions of the Right-Bank Forest-Steppe of Ukraine. The study employed field route surveys, laboratory methods for nematode extraction from soil and root systems (Baermann funnel technique and sieving method), morphological and morphometric identification using light microscopy, as well as structural-ecological analysis of communities and methods of variation statistics. It was established that the nematode complex of the soybean rhizosphere comprises 26 species belonging to 17 genera, 10 families, 5 orders, and 2 classes, indicating a high taxonomic diversity of soil biota in the agrocenosis. The class Chromadorea dominated (over 80% of the total structure), determining the functional orientation of the community under intensive agricultural use. The order Tylenchida was the most abundant, forming the main share of the phytoparasitic block and including economically important species such as Pratylenchus penetrans, Tylenchorhynchus dubius, Helicotylenchus dihystera, and Paratylenchus nanus. Their dominance indicated the formation of a stable invasion potential in the soybean rhizosphere and the presence of critical phytosanitary pressure. At the same time, a significant proportion of saprobiotic and bacteriotrophic nematodes (Rhabditida and Cephalobidae) indicated intensive processes of organic matter mineraliіation and active functioning of the soil microbial component. The combination of a high proportion of phytoparasitic and decomposer forms creates a functionally heterogeneous community structure, reflecting simultaneous processes of ecological stress and biological compensation in the agroecosystem. Structural analysis revealed an intermediate level of ecological stability of the system, characteristic of intensively used agricultural lands with periodic disturbance of soil structure and simplification of trophic relationships. The results obtained can be used for bioindication assessment of soil condition and for the development of ecologically oriented monitoring systems and protection of soybean crops against phytonematodes

Keywords

species composition; taxonomic structure; agrocenoses; Pratylenchus penetrans; Tylenchorhynchus dubius; soil bioindication

Suggested citation
Pashkovsky, V., & Babych, O. (2026). Species composition and structure of the phytoneamatode complex of soybean in the Right-Bank Forest-Steppe of Ukraine. Biological Systems: Theory and Innovation, 17(2), 125-139. https://doi.org/10.31548/biologiya/2.2026.125
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