Soil-borne nematode (null)

Soil-borne nematodes are microscopic, unsegmented roundworms of the phylum Nematoda that live in soil environments. They include diverse trophic groups such as plant-parasitic, insect-parasitic (entomopathogenic), and free-living nematodes. Plant-parasitic nematodes damage crops by feeding on roots, causing lesions, galls, and reductions in plant growth and yield; important genera include Meloidogyne (root-knot nematode), Heterodera (cyst nematode), and Pratylenchus (lesion nematode). Entomopathogenic nematodes (families Steinernematidae, Heterorhabditidae) are used as biological control agents against soil-dwelling insect pests. Soil nematodes also regulate soil nutrient cycling and can serve as sensitive bioindicators of soil environmental health.

Other names

Soil-inhabiting nematodesSoil nematodesSoil roundwormsPlant-parasitic nematodesEntomopathogenic nematodes

For nematicides: inhibition of nervous system or metabolic pathways in nematodes, leading to death or immobilization For biological control: nematodes infect hosts (plants or insects) directly or via symbiotic bacteria (e.g., Steinernematidae and Heterorhabditidae nematodes carry Xenorhabdus or Photorhabdus bacteria, which kill insect hosts)