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This nematode is found primarily in the southern U.S. The primary above-ground symptom of reniform nematode damage is stunting. Severely stunted root systems may become necrotic and darkly discolored.
Reniform nematodes develop into immature females before penetrating the roots, then the posterior portions of females swell and produces large egg masses that cover the exposed bodies of the females on the root. Soil tightly adheres to egg masses on the roots. Nematicides and resistant varieties are effective for control; efficacy and economics should be considered when employing a nematicide for management of this nematode. Above-ground symptoms of reniform nematode damage are not unique. Infestations of reniform nematode can be accurately diagnosed by observing small clumps of soil particles tightly adhering to swollen, white nematode females on washed soybean roots or by detecting various stages of the nematode in soil samples. |