Grass Root-Knot Nematode Meloidogyne graminis Whitehead, 1968 (Nematode: Tylenchida: Meloidogynidae)

Abstract

Root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) are the most important plant-parasitic nematodes worldwide, with most temperate and tropical crops suffering yield losses from one or more species of Meloidogyne. Root-knot nematodes are the most widely recognized plant-parasitic nematodes because the characteristic galls or knots they cause on plant roots are easily observed symptoms for diagnosis. Meloidogyne graminis is damaging to many turf and forage grasses. Due to the prevalence of this nematode on grasses, and the prevalence of grasses compared to other crops in the state, it is likely the most widespread species of root-knot nematode in Florida. It is of increasing concern due to the rising importance of turfgrasses in the Florida economy, the susceptibility of grasses to this nematode, and implementation of new diagnostic techniques that have brought to light the damaging potential of this nematode. This document is also available on the Featured Creatures website at http://entomology.ifas.ufl.edu/creatures. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in1231