Paratrichodorus and Trichodorus
The Stubby-Root Nematodes
Damage to Corn. Although actual losses
are often hard to measure due to Stubby-Root
nematodes occurring together with other species, Paratrichodorus
is considered a major pest on corn where populations are large.
Biology. Paratrichodorus minor
is small (less than 1 mm long) with a curved stylet.
Ecology. Stubby-Root nematodes are common
in sandy soils in the Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plain states, and are also
known in the Midwest, Oregon, and California.
Symptoms. Field symptoms include stunting,
chlorosis, and reduced yields. P. minor feeds largely on the
root tips, stopping terminal growth of the rootlets, and resulting
in the stubby-root effect.
Damage to other crops. Stubby-Root nematodes
have a wide host range, although corn is a favored host.
Control. Chemicals often give effective control.
Nonvolatile chemicals have been found to reduce populations more than soil