Plant parasitic nematodes cause an estimated annual loss to agriculture of US
$35 billion worldwide and over US $200 million in South Africa.
Existing nematicides are effective, yet they are generally highly toxic and, as they are systemic, require strict withholding periods.
HOW DO THEY AFFECT PLANTS?
Plant-parasitic nematodes feed on the root systems and subterranean structures of plants such as tubers, pods and rhizomes. They feed by perforating plant cell walls with their stylet and withdrawing nutrients through a pumping action into the intestine.
This can cause open wounds on the plant, exposing it to other pathogens such as fungi. They can also create vascular damage that affects the transport of water and nutrients to the plant.
