Bad Nematodes Most nematodes are harmless, but a handful of troublesome species attack the outside surfaces of plants, burrowing into the plant tissue and causing root, stem, folar and even flower damage. Other nematodes live inside the plants for part of their lives, causing damage from the inside out.
Can nematodes damage plants?
Root damage caused by nematodes can result in yellowing of leaves on infected plants. Figure 5. Root damage caused by nematodes can result in stunting of infected plants.
Why are nematodes bad for plants?
Soil-dwelling nematodes are the most common culprits, but some species can damage plant roots, stems, foliage, and flowers. No matter where they feed, these tiny worms can seriously damage to crops with their sharply pointed mouths by puncturing cell walls.
Will nematodes eat my plants?
They also prey on soil-dwelling plant pests such as white grubs and root maggots. Pest nematodes feed on plant roots, stunting and sometimes killing plants including many vegetables.
Should I be worried about nematodes?
Of those, only some are parasitic and damaging to crop plants. So, no, not all are harmful nematodes, and most are normal members of the soil ecosystem. In fact, many of the nematodes in your garden soil are beneficial to your garden. They eat some harmful species of bacteria, fungi, and even the larvae of insects.
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