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Date of Award

Spring 2013

Document Type

Restricted Thesis: Campus only access

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science

Department

Biology

First Advisor

Dr. Amy Treonis

Abstract

Nematodes are one of the most abundant and diverse animals on the planet (Bongers et al. 1988). These roundworms can live in habitats ranging from the deep ocean (Danovaro et al. 2008) to polar regions (Treonis et al. 1999). They have adapted to almost every environment (Treonis et al. 2000) and are vital to virtually every biome. Nematodes are an integral part of the soil food web and play a significant role in the soil ecosystem through the recycling of nutrients. Nematodes are also useful indicators of soil health and can play a large role in agriculture (Neher et al. 2001). For agricultural purposes, there are two significant types of nematodes: beneficial and harmful. The beneficial nematodes feed on fungi and bacteria, and some species of nematode will even kill insects that are harmful to plants. Harmful nematodes feed on plant roots and can spread plant viruses (Verchot- Lubicz, 2003).

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