Genus Trichodorus

Stubby Root Nematodes

Most important species: P. minor and T. similis

• worldwide host range and distribution (corn, clover, potato, other vegetable crops)
• short, cigar shaped body
• feeding stops root growth resulting in stubby roots
• vector viruses (corky ringspot virus of potato)
• symptoms include severe stunting, nutrient and water stress, plant death
• (1951) Christie and Perry demonstrated first pathogenicity by ectoparasitic plant nematodes
• prefer sandy well drained soils
• vertical distribution seems to follow water table fluctuations
• often the first nematodes to appear after nematicide treatments
• males are common in 60% of species suggesting amphimixis

• root growth stopped by disruption mitosis in apical meristems of roots

Damage in field (above) and corn roots (below).