u/frenchtoast-mafia — reddlx

▲ 14 r/Nematology+2 crossposts

Hopolaimus, more commonly known as Lance nematodes, affect a wide range of crops including grasses, corn, cotton, soybeans, cereals, sugarcane, and trees. They are most common found in sandy coastal soil of the Southeastern United States, but have been reported in various countries around the Middle East and Africa. Lance nematodes attack above the root tips, destroying cortex cells and causing necrotic lesions, often in irregular patches in fields. While they are known to be particularly resistant to many nematicides, yield loss (~10-38%) is lower than other nematodes because of limited distribution. As a result, crop rotation is a sufficient and effective management.

Hopolaimus are robust nematodes, usually measuring 1000-1500μm long. They have an off-set head with strong labial framework that gives a dark color to the snout. Both males and females have slight annulations along their entire body. They have a short strong stylet with distinct tulip-shaped knobs and a small faint metacorpus (median bulb). There is a slight dorsal overlapping of the esophagus and intestines. Females have a vulva around V-65, and a blunt "double layered" tail, while males have a rounded bursa (fin-like feature) and a pointed tail.

u/frenchtoast-mafia — 14 days ago

▲ 13 r/Nematology+2 crossposts

Belonolaimus, more commonly known as Sting nematodes, are aggressive nematodes that causes substantial plant damage. They are capable of destroying entire crops in very low numbers. They prey on a wide variety of crops, from ornamental trees, grains, trees, weeds, grasses, turf, and row crops. Sting nematodes only reproduce in sandy soils (>80% sand) and are generally sensitive to colder temperatures. They are ectoparasites, causing root decay and growth retardation. While they do not cause galls or cysts, root tips may become enlarged from repeated damage and death of new growth.

Belonolaimus are long slender nematodes, usually around 2-3mm long. They have a prominent off-set head with 4 distinct lobes, and a thin stylet with small flat knobs. Their metacorpus (median bulb) is less than three-fourths body width, but easily identifiable. There are slight annulations along the entire body. Females have a blunt tail, with a vulva in the middle of their body (V-50). Males have spicules (hook shaped reproductive organs) and a long thin bursa (fin-like feature) with a pointed tail. There are currently 9 known species of Belonolaimus.

u/frenchtoast-mafia — 15 days ago

▲ 17 r/Nematology+2 crossposts

First identified in 1936, the genus Pratylenchus is more commonly known as Root-Lesion nematode or Meadow nematode. Usually around 500-600μm, the Lesion nematode has a stout body and flat head, with 1-3 striae. The stylet is strong with large knobs. Lesion nematodes have a distinct ventral overlapping between the esophagus and the dark intestines. Vulvas appear between V=75-80, and males have a small bursa that varies from species to species.

Distribution of these species are worldwide. They affect a wide variety of crops in tropical, subtropic, and temperate zones. They are most noted for interacting synergistically with the fungi Verticillium dahliae, causing Potato Early Dying disease (PED). This interaction is not yet fully understood, but studies show that reduction in nematode and fungi populations provide successful disease management.