Table 6. Nematodes associated with corn in Illinois.

Genus

Importance*

Type of damage

Other host plants

Pratylenchus

(Root-lesion)

1-B

Smaller-than-normal root system, darkened and discolored roots, moderate stunting

Grasses, cereals, legumes, vegetables, tree fruits, strawberry, pines (host range varies for different species of root-lesion nematodes)

Hopololaimus

(Lance)

2-B

Reduced root system, darkened and discolored roots, moderate stunting, and chlorosis

Grasses, legumes, tomato, pepper, pines, many others

 

 

Xiphinema

(Dagger)

2-B

Severe stunting, chlorosis, few fine feeder roots

Grasses, legumes, ornamentals, strawberry, trees, many others

Helicotylenchus

(Stunt)

1-C

Smaller-than-normal root system, moderate stunting, chlorosis

Grasses, cereals, legumes, tomato, many others

 

Longidorus

(Needle)

2-A

Severe stunting, chlorosis; severe root pruning; root system consists mainly of short, stubby, thickened side roots that appear somewhat swollen

Members of the grass family, potato, grape, and many others

 

 

 

Trichodorus

(Stubby-root)

3-A

Stubby lateral roots, coarse roots, excessive upper roots, severe stunting, chlorosis

Grasses, legumes, tomato, potato, beet, ornamentals, many others

*The number indicates how commonly the genus is involved in nematode problems in Illinois: 1 = very common; 2 = occasionally; 3 = rarely. The letter indicates its potential for damage: A = very damaging; B = moderately damaging; C = damaging only at high populations.