Pest nematodes feed on plant roots, stunting and sometimes killing plants including many vegetables.
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.
What plants are affected by nematodes?
Other common garden vegetables grown during mid- to late summer, such as tomato, pepper, cucumber, squash, eggplant, and okra also are highly susceptible to root-knot nematode. Plants growing in nematode-infested soils usually are unthrifty, stunted, yellowish, and have galled and decayed roots.
Do nematodes infect plants?
Plant parasitic nematodes may attack the roots, stem, foliage and flowers of plants. All plant parasitic nematodes have piercing mouthparts called stylets. The presence of a stylet is the key diagnostic sign differentiating plant parasitic nematodes from all other types of nematodes.
What does nematodes do to plants?
Many plant-parasitic nematodes feed on the roots of plants. The feeding process damages the plant's root system and reduces the plant's ability to absorb water and nutrients. Typical nematode damage symptoms are a reduction of root mass, a distortion of root structure and/or enlargement of the roots (Figure 6, 7, 8).
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