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).
How do nematodes cause harm to plants and humans?
Root-knot nematodes (RKNs) are significant pests of sweetpotato causing symptoms of infection which include: stunted plant growth, yellowing of leaves, abnormal flower production, and gall production on roots leading to decreased nutrient and water absorption and necrosis and cracking on fleshy storage roots.
What damage do nematodes cause?
Nematodes are microscopic, wormlike creatures which inhabit the soil and damage the roots of plants, impairing their ability to take up water and nutrients. Symptoms of this damage include stunting, yellowing of plant leaves, and loss of plant vitality.
What is a negative effect of a nematode?
No matter where they feed, these tiny worms can seriously damage to crops with their sharply pointed mouths by puncturing cell walls. The real damage occurs when a nematode injects saliva into a cell from its mouth and then sucks out the cell contents.
How do nematodes interact with plants?
Plant-parasitic root-knot and cyst nematodes are microscopic worms that cause severe damage to crops and induce major agricultural losses worldwide. These parasites penetrate into host roots and induce the formation of specialized feeding structures, which supply the resources required for nematode development.
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