Diversity and molecular characterization of earthworms in western zone of Punjab
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Date
2024
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Punjab Agricultural University
Abstract
Earthworms form an integral part of soil ecosystem contributing to the development of soil, nutrient cycling and pollution remediation. The present research is an attempt to determine earthworm diversity and their molecular characterization in different cropping systems (ricewheat, cotton-wheat, vegetable fields and orchards) in six districts (Fazilka, Ferozepur, Bathinda, Muktsar, Moga and Faridkot) of western zone of Punjab. Total five earthworm species identified (by combination of morphological and molecular analysis) during present study are-Metaphire posthuma, Lampito mauritii, Amynthas morrisi (belonging to family Megascolecidae), Eisenia fetida and Eisenia andrei (belonging to family Lumbricidae). M. posthuma was most dominating species found in crop fields of all districts. The population density of earthworms was maximum during monsoon and minimum during winter season. E. fetida and E. andrei showed morphollogically similar characteristics but were found to be different by molecular identification. Earthworm population density was found to be positively correlated with soil moisture and soil temperature in different cropping systems. The analysis of physico-chemical properties of soil and vermicast revealed that pH and Electrical Conductivity (dS m-1) values of vermicast were lower as compared to surrounding soil and showed significant difference (p<0.05).Organic carbon (%), available phosphorous (kg/ha), available potassium (kg/ha) and available nitrogen (kg/ha) values of vermicast were higher as compared to surrounding soil and showed significant difference (p<0.05).
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Dhuria, Samiksha (2024). Diversity and molecular characterization of earthworms in western zone of Punjab (Unpublished Ph.D. Dissertation). Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Punjab, India.