Pest Photo

Stubby-root nematode

Paratrichodorus nanus

Stubby-root nematode (Paratrichodorus nanus) is a nematode pest of grasses.

Nematodes called "stubby-root" nematodes are of agricultural importance both as plant-pathogens and as vectors for plant viruses. They are ectoparasites that feed primarily on meristematic cells of root tips. Feeding by these nematodes can cause cessation of root elongation and an abbreviated or "stubby" root system termed stubby root disease. The damaged root systems have reduced capacity to extract water and nutrients from soil and predispose turf to environmental stresses.