Nematodes do not have a respiratory or circulatory system.
The cuticle, with the outermost layer of lipids, serves as a barrier between the delicate internal chemical balance and the surrounding environment.
The lateral striae and annules are ornamentation organs which function to compensate for stress factors or aid in movement of a normal nematode. Should any part of the cuticle therefore be damaged in any way, the internal balance or movement will be disturbed with fatal consequences for the nematode.
Nematodes exposed to low concentrations of furfural in water were so damaged by the furfural that no annules could be seen, and the striae were swollen beyond repair. Even if these nematodes did survive the Crop Guard, they would not be able to move.
