Note the annulations or rings circling the exterior of the nematode. The spear of this nematode is large and easy to see whereas the spear on the root knot nematode cannot be seen at this magnification. The spear indicates the head end of plant parasitic nematodes. This nematode also feeds on a wide range of plants including legumes but is of particular importance on several woody rooted plants including peach, apple, walnut, and grape. One of the plants that will reduce populations is sudan grass.
Wheat also tends to be a poor host.
The fatter size of this nematode renders it almost immobile within individual soil pore spaces. It only develops to high populations within soils of high porosity, including sands and well-structured clay loam soils. Fine sandy loam soils have a smaller pore size which limits population development. Ring nematodes do not penetrate roots but their long spears enable nutrient extraction from deep within the root cortex. In fact, with roots of peach this nematode is known to induce a sophisticated straw-like feeding site.