author(s)
R Brithevnan, K Poornima, N Swarnakumari and V Jegadeeswari

abstract
This study was done to explore the existence of plant parasitic nematodes associated with beetroot growing areas of Tamil Nadu. A random survey was carried out in seven districts of Tamil Nadu viz., Coimbatore, Nilgiris, Erode, Dindigul, Krishnagiri, Theni, and Tirupur. Soil samples were collected at the depth of 10 - 15 cm and processed the samples. Community analysis plays a vital role in assessing the population of plant parasitic nematodes in a region and helps in identifying the major areas of nematode attack. In this survey six plant parasitic nematode species are observed Meloidogyne incognita, Pratylenchus penetrans, Helicotylenchus dihystera, Hoplolaimus indicus, Longidorus elongates, Tylenchorhynchus claytoni. In this six plant parasitic nematodes Meloidogyne incognita had a highest number of populations and prominence value observed in Sathyamangalam block of Erode district, while the lowest populations observed in Palladam block of Tirupur district.