While many types of nematodes are beneficial to the soil, plant-parasite nematodes will attack and destroy plant roots, effectively killing the whole plant. The pests cannot be killed by most pesticides. So, gardeners will need to use gardening methods to make their soil as inhospitable as possible to the nematodes.
Do all nematodes damage plants?
A number of genera and species of nematodes are highly damaging to a great range of hosts, including foliage plants, agronomic and vegetable crops, fruit and nut trees, turfgrass, and forest trees.
Will nematodes kill plants?
Damage is often more pronounced when plants are under other stresses such as lack of water or nutrients or when damaged by other diseases or insects. Although nematodes rarely kill plants, they can drastically reduce plant growth and yields.
Do nematodes stay inside the plant they infect?
Ectoparasitic nematodes feed on plant tissues from outside the plant; endoparasitic nematodes feed inside the tissues. If the adult female moves freely through the 61 soil or plant tissues, the species is said to be Amigratory.
How do nematodes damage 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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