Disclaimer: Copyright infringement not intended.

Context :

Recently, Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) discovered a new species of soil dwelling nematode named Crassolabium dhritiae. They discovered this  from the Deccan Peninsular biogeographical region of Keonjhar district in Odisha.

Key Facts about Soil Nematodes:

• Role in Soil Fertility:
  • Nematodes are tiny invertebrates. They maintain soil fertility.
  • They are found in all types of soil, & in even relatively poor soils. Millions of nematodes exist per square meter.
• Feeding Habits:
  • Nematodes feed on plant roots & a variety of organisms in the soil :
    • Bacteria, fungi, algae, diatoms, protozoans, rotifers, springtails, arthropods, oligochaetes, & other nematodes.
  • Beneficial vs. Harmful:
    • Some nematodes are beneficial to plants like free living nematodes that decompose organic matter & recycle nutrients.
    • Entomopathogenic nematodes work with bacteria to control pests.
    • Others can be harmful. Because they feed on plant roots & damaging crops.
  • Indicator of Soil Health:
    • Nematodes are valuable indicators of soil health. They also help to assess changes caused by disturbance or pollution.
    • The ratio of bacterial to fungal feeding nematodes shows the rate of nutrient cycling in the soil.

About Crassolabium Dhritiae:

• Species Type: Soil dwelling nematode.
• Discovery Location: Deccan Peninsular biogeographic zone, Keonjhar district, Odisha
• Naming: The species is named dhritiae after director of ZSI (Dhriti Banerjee). This is all for her exceptional contributions to zoology & taxonomic research.
• Physical Characteristics:
  • Medium-sized, slender body.
  • Rounded lip region.
  • Broad odontostyle.
  • Long pharynx.
  • Different female reproductive structures.
  • Distinctly shaped tail.

• Feeding Habits: The feeding habits of the genus Crassolabium are still being studied. But its members shows both predatory & omnivorous behavior.
• Global Significance: total number of known Crassolabium species worldwide to 39. And 9 species are now recorded in India.

Source: ET