Tylenchulus semipenetrans
The Citrus nematode
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Damage to Citrus. Damage caused by a citrus
nematode infestation depends on the age and vigor of the
tree, density of the nematode population, and susceptibility
of the rootstock
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Biology. The citrus nematode is an obligate
parasite, reproducing only on living roots of host plants. The young adult
females penetrate the root, producing a gelatinous matrix in which
the eggs are embedded. These hatch and the second-stage juveniles attack
roots.
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Ecology. Tylenchulus semipenetrans occurs
worldwide on citrus.
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Symptoms. Above-ground symptoms associated with
nematode-infected trees are wiIting, lack of vigor, poor fruit production
and poor response to watering and fertilization. Another common symptom
of infection by high populations of this nematode is the encrusted appearance
of the
roots due to the soil particles that adhere to the female's
jellylike egg matrix .
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Damage to other crops. It also parasitizes grape,
lilac, olive, and persimmon.
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Control. Chemical control of nematodes on established
trees is expensive and must be repeated annually for best results. Prevention
by exclusion is best.
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Links and References. Citrus
nematodes. University of California Tylenchulus
semipenetrans
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