Pratylenchus brachyurus

Pratylenchus brachyurus is a species of nematode that is commonly known as the lesion nematode. It is a plant-parasitic nematode that is found worldwide and is known to cause significant damage to a wide range of agricultural crops.

Taxonomy

The Pratylenchus brachyurus belongs to the phylum Nematoda, class Secernentea, order Tylenchida, family Pratylenchidae, and genus Pratylenchus. The species was first described by Godfrey in 1929.

Morphology

Pratylenchus brachyurus is a small nematode, typically measuring 0.5 to 0.8 mm in length. It has a slender, cylindrical body with a rounded anterior end and a pointed posterior end. The cuticle is finely annulated and the lateral field is marked by four incisures. The stylet is robust with well-developed basal knobs.

Life Cycle

The life cycle of Pratylenchus brachyurus includes egg, four juvenile stages, and adult. The nematode is known to have a short life cycle, which can be completed in as little as 21 days under optimal conditions.

Hosts and Symptoms

Pratylenchus brachyurus is a polyphagous nematode, meaning it can infect a wide range of host plants. Some of the most common hosts include corn, soybean, cotton, and banana. Infected plants often exhibit symptoms such as stunted growth, yellowing of leaves, wilting, and reduced yield.

Management

Management of Pratylenchus brachyurus typically involves a combination of cultural practices, biological control, and chemical control. Cultural practices include crop rotation with non-host crops, use of resistant varieties, and proper sanitation practices. Biological control involves the use of beneficial organisms such as nematophagous fungi and predatory nematodes. Chemical control includes the use of nematicides.

See Also

• Nematode
• Plant Pathology
• Crop Rotation
• Nematicide