Observations on the predation abilities of Neoactznolaimus Agilis (Dorylaimida: Actinolaimoidea)

Abstract

Observations were made on the prey catching and feeding mechanisms, rate of predation on different species of plant parasitic nematodes and factors influencing predation by Neoactinolaimus agilis. Predation occurred mostly upon contacts with the prey individuals. N. agllis paralysed its pray by holding the prey with everted onchia and lip region, puncturing cuticle with the dontostyle and disorganizing the internal organs of prey. The attacks were indiscriminate occurring all over the body. Oesophagus pulsated at regular intervals and secreted oesophageal secretions for extra corporeal digestion. At the end of feeding the whole of the prey contents were ingasted and only the cuticle left unconsumed by the predators. The rate of predation remained same over a period of eight days. N. agilis preferred the second stage juveniles of Meloidogyne incognita, Anguina tritici and Tylenchulus semipenetrans. Paralongidorus citri, Rotylenchus. robustus and Helicotylenchus indicus were killed the least. N. agilis failed to either kill or injure any individual of Hoplolaimus indicus or H. mangiferae. Predation increased with the increase in prey number but decreases with the increase in concentration of agar. Maximum predation occurred at 25-30° C. Temperatures lower or higher than these declined predation significantly.