List of agricultural pest nematode species

Plant-parasitic nematode feeding types

List of Agricultural Pest Nematode Species

Agricultural pest nematodes are a significant concern in agriculture and horticulture, causing substantial damage to crops worldwide. These microscopic, worm-like organisms live in soil and attack the roots of plants, leading to decreased yield and sometimes the death of the plant. This article provides an overview of some of the most detrimental nematode species affecting agricultural and horticultural crops.

Root-knot Nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.)

Root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) are among the most widespread and economically damaging plant-parasitic nematodes. They infect a broad range of host plants, causing characteristic galls or "knots" on roots which interfere with the plant's ability to absorb water and nutrients. Notable species include:

• Meloidogyne incognita (Southern root-knot nematode)
• Meloidogyne javanica (Javanese root-knot nematode)
• Meloidogyne arenaria (Peanut root-knot nematode)
• Meloidogyne hapla (Northern root-knot nematode)

Cyst Nematodes (Heterodera and Globodera spp.)

Cyst nematodes are another group of destructive pests in agriculture. They form cysts on the roots of plants, which are actually the dead, hardened bodies of female nematodes filled with eggs. These cysts can remain in the soil for years, releasing larvae when conditions are right. Important species include:

• Heterodera glycines (Soybean cyst nematode)
• Globodera rostochiensis (Golden potato cyst nematode)
• Globodera pallida (Pale potato cyst nematode)

Stem and Bulb Nematodes (Ditylenchus spp.)

Stem and bulb nematodes (Ditylenchus spp.) affect a variety of crops, including onions, garlic, and ornamental flowers. They invade plant tissue, causing swelling, distortion, and sometimes death. The most notorious species is:

• Ditylenchus dipsaci (Stem and bulb nematode)

Root-lesion Nematodes (Pratylenchus spp.)

Root-lesion nematodes (Pratylenchus spp.) penetrate plant roots, causing lesions through which other pathogens can enter. They are particularly harmful because they affect a wide range of crops and can significantly reduce yield. Key species include:

• Pratylenchus penetrans (Root-lesion nematode)

Banana Root Nematodes (Radopholus spp.)

Banana root nematodes, particularly Radopholus similis (Banana root nematode), are a major threat to banana production. They damage the roots, leading to reduced uptake of water and nutrients, and in severe cases, plant death.

Management

Management of agricultural pest nematodes involves a combination of strategies, including crop rotation, resistant varieties, biological control, and nematicides. Early detection and identification are crucial for effective management.