The growth of selected genotypes of Alysicarpus ovalifolius and A. vaginalis was monitored for 2 years in a field infested with Belonolaimus longicaudatus and Hoplolaimus galeatus. Nematode populations, plant nutrients in the soil, and soil texture were measured periodically at various points within the field and compared with plant growth. Belonolaimus longicaudatus density was positively correlated and H. galeatus density was negatively correlated with soil sand content. Yield was negatively correlated with B. longicaudatus density and with percentage sand, but was positively correlated with H. galeatus density. Multiple regression analyses indicated that yield was more closely correlated with sand content than with the population density of either nematode species.
