Certain species are specific to individual plant hosts. Above ground symptoms are similar to many other root diseases or environmental factors limiting water and nutrient uptake. These symptoms consist of wilting during periods of moisture stress, stunted plants, chlorotic or pale green leaves, and reduced yields.
Infected roots swell at the point of infection and form knots or galls.
Several infections may occur along the same area resulting in large fleshy galls. The appearance of galls will depend in part upon the host and the nematode species involved. Generally, fast growing annuals will have a large flesh gall and woody perennials, small hard galls. Infected roots are retarded in growth and lack fine feeder roots. Rotting of roots may develop late in the season.