Nematodes

Nematodes

Introduction
- kingdom: Animalia
- feed on microorganisms and microscopic plants and animals
- obtain food with stylets
- cause billions of dollars damage annually

Characteristics
- small and invisible to the naked eye
- smooth unsegmented bodies

Anatomy
- transparent
- lips (6) around mouth
- hollow stylet
- reproduction in plant parasitic nematodes is through eggs and may be sexual or parthogenic
- many species lack males

Life Cycles
- have four juvenile stages

Ecology and Spread
- soil temp., moisture, and aeration affect survival and movement of nematodes in the soil
- most eggs hatch freely in water in the absence of any special stimulus
- 2 genera

Classification
- belong to phylum Nematoda
- 2 orders
- ectoparasites: feed only from the outside on the cells near the root surfaces
- endoparasites: enter the host and feed from within
- migratory: live f...