Patterns of relationships between nematode communities and vegetation from some salt-affected areas in Transylvania (Romania)

Abstract

Plant and nematode communities from two inland salt-affected habitats located in the Transylvania province (Romania) were analyzed by detrended correspondence analysis (DCA). Vegetation samples were clearly separated into three clusters, each cluster including one distinct plant association, while nematode communities were less distinctly separated into groups. Differences in halotolerance were noted for both plant and nematode species. Extreme salt-affected habitats characterized by obligate halophilic phytocoenoses were dominated by opportunistic nematodes and were differentiated from other habitats by the lowest MI values. The most halotolerant species, Laimydorus parabastianz; could be used as key bioindicator for salt-affected areas. A characterization of plant and nematode communities is provided.