Reniform nematodes (Rotylenchulus reniformis) are a semi-endoparasitic (the body is partially inside the roots) species in which the females penetrate the root cortex, establish a permanent-feeding site in the stele region of the root and become sedentary or immobile. The head of the body remains embedded in the root whereas the tail protrudes from the root surface and swells during maturation after which time, she lays eggs in a jelly-like matrix (outside the root). Only females infect plant roots.
Damage
Reniform nematode infestations can be hard to detect, since they don’t cause obvious symptoms. Visible symptoms on the host plant are moisture and nutrient deficiencies. Root growth slows down and secondary root development is limited, in some cases they can cause root necrosis. The result of infestation is growth suppression leading to plants becoming stunted. These deficiencies create a predisposition to various pathogenic fungi and viruses.
There are specific sustainable solutions for different species of nematodes.
For more information contact your local BioBee field agent.
