Morphology

Microscopic round worms (non-segmented) that are closely related to parasitic roundworms in animals.  Member of some genera change shapes during maturation.

Reproduction

Mature females form eggs.  Reside outside or inside plant tissues.

Sites of pathogen survival

Eggs and larvae are present primarily in soil, but may also survive in living host tissues, especially perennial hosts and seed.

Symptoms caused

Stunting, chlorosis, lesions on roots, galls on roots, general decline in plant health.

Signs of disease

Nematode larvae and eggs are microscopically observed within and outside host tissues.