Scientific Name

Ditylenchus species, Aphelencloides species

Common Name

Eelworms

Phylum

Nematoda

Physical Description, Distribution

Microscopic worms 1-2 mm long. 0.1 mm wide. Nearly visible in the dark. Under the microscope translucent eel shape is seen. The head is blunt with a tapering tail. The female cyst eelworms swell forming brown cysts 0.5 mm wide. Males are generally smaller.

Distribution, Habitat

Soil, water, animals, dead and living plant tissues. Distribution is world wide.

Life Cycle

Female will become swollen with eggs. Female lays minute eggs in the plant tissue or soil. The larvae hatch in days, and enter plants through wounds, stomata, lenticles feed grow and moult into adults in 3 weeks. Will leave host plant upon death. Populations will thrive in favorable conditions. Millions may inhabit a plant at one time. Development is normal in a fluid environment, but adults and eggs can survive desiccation for years. They only move a metre a year.

Method Of Attack

Internal or external puncturing of cells with a mouthspear, excreting the cell contents.

Symptoms

Adults, eggs and scales present on the undersides of leaves. Upper surfaces may be fouled with honey dew and sooty moulds.

Cultural Control

Main transmission is by infected plants, infected soil, debris and water Maintain hygienic conditions, provide a cool, dry uncluttered conditions for plants, clean tools, pots and shoes. Rotate crops, weed regularly. Isolate suspect plants Destroy soft discolored bulbs, and burn infected plants Buy from reputable suppliers. Bulbs are often dipped in 44.5C to kill them off, before and after planting.

Stage Vulnerable

In soil, debris, on weeds.