This nematode overwinters as a brown cyst that is formed on the roots. More than a dozen species known affecting over 2000 spp of plants. The root rot nematode is distributed throughout the world and occurs in a wide variety of crop plants. It is most severe in areas with warm climate, and causes extensive economic loss in nursery plants as well as in row crops. Apical growth ceases.
Lesions sometimes are present.
Feeding by both the males and females stimulates hyperplasia and hypertrophy in the roots. Overwinters - eggs between crop seasons in the soil. In a warm, moist environment the eggs hatch, liberating the second larval stage. Colonization - Male nematodes live parasitically in the roots for several weeks and then undergo three molts in rapid succession before emerging from the root. Adult males are thought to live free in the soil.