Nematodes are microscopic roundworms that live in diverse habitats.
Plant parasitic nematodes live in soil and plant tissues and feed on plants by puncturing and sucking the cell contents with a spearlike mouthpart called a stylet. Little information is available on damage to figs resulting from a nematode infestation. The trees are likely to be more susceptible to temperature and water stress. The symptoms described below are indicative of a nematode problem, but are not diagnostic as they could result from other causes as well. Lesion nematode infested trees may appear stunted with very few feeder roots.