Difference between revisions of "Nacobbus aberrans"

Revision as of 18:59, 17 March 2014

Nacobbus aberrans (Thorne, 1935) - (false root-knot nematode)
is found in the field in temperate and subtropical regions of the Americas, attacking a large variety of crops like potato, beet, pepper, tomato, carrots or cucumber. There are also reports about its occurrence in greenhouses outside the Americas. It causes serious damage to potato in South America and to sugarbeet in North America. Yield losses often reach 50%. It produces root galls which are similar to those caused by the root-knot nematodes. Juveniles are migratory and can repeatedly enter and leave roots. Females are sedentary and cause the formation of syncytia, similar to the cyst nematodes. The life cycle is completed in 2-3 months. Long distance dispersal occurs through the transport of infested tubers and soil. For management, crop rotation and sanitation (e.g. cleaning of agricultural tools) is recommended.

In contrast to the real root-knot nematodes, females have only one ovary (not 2). Juveniles have a rounded tail (not tapering). Mature females form egg sacs, similar to the root-knot nematodes, and are swollen, about 1-1½ mm long and ½ mm wide. N. aberrans is often regarded as a species complex of 2 or more forms.