Root-knot nematode
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 Larva of root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita, magnified 500X, shown here penetrating a tomato root
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Root-knot nematodes are plant-parasitic nematodes from the genus Meloidogyne. They exist in soil in areas with hot climates or short winters. About 2000 plants are susceptible to infection by root-knot nematodes and they cause approximately 5% of global crop loss. Root-knot nematode larva infect plant roots causing the development of root-knot galls that drain the plant's photosynthate and nutients. Infection of young plants may be lethal, while infection of mature plants causes decreased yield.
[edit] Reference
- Agrios, G. N. 1997. Plant Pathology, Academic Press, San Deigo
