Genus Belonolaimus

The Sting Nematode

Most important species: B. longicaudatus

Belonolaimus can be one of the most devastating plant parasitic nematodes!!!

• very few nematodes can cause severe damage(<10 per 100cc soil)
• hosts include grasses, field crops, trees, seedlings
• like sandy soils of southeast US
• problem on turf
• very long stylet used to penetrate deeply into cortex and vascular tissue
• can cause seedling death, necrosis in apical meristem leading to stunted, coarse roots