Diversity of Nematodes Associated with Mangrove Forests in India

Mangroves are exclusive group of plants with remarkable ecological importance. They have been extensively used for timber, fish, prawns, fodder, tanning materials, fire wood, etc. India has about 4461 sq km area under mangrove vegetation, amongst which about 60% is found along the east coast (Bay of Bengal), 25% occurs on the west coast (Arabian Sea) and 15% on the Bay Islands (Andaman and Nicobar Islands) according to State of Forest Report, Forest Survey of India, 2003. Globally nematodes represent one of the most abundant group and probably the second largest one of the animal kingdom, just behind the arthropods. They are found everywhere and in all kinds of habitats ranging from Himalayan peak to sea floor, from Arctic to Antarctic. Along with other causes of destruction of mangrove forests, nematodes also play a harmful role to this valuable ecosystem. In India, very few works have been done on these noxious pests associated with mangroves. The present paper deals with a consolidated report of these pests, representing more than 50 species, described or reported so far from different mangrove forest areas of India. However, extensive works are needed to monitor the damages caused by them as well as for taking necessary control measures against these hidden enemies.