Root-lesion nematode

Pratylenchus penetrans, Pratylenchus crenatus and Pratylenchus neglectus

Foliar symptoms

• Patches within field. Plants small, dull and dark in colour, flowering is delayed
• Normal emergence of the crop, but stunted growth
• Pratylenchus penetrans leads to secondary infection by Verticillium dahliae
• Pratylenchus neglectus leads to secondary infection by Verticillium dahliae and Rhizoctonia solani
• Secondary damage is wilting and plant death due to root damage

Root symptoms

• Long brown to black lesions
• Bushy root system due to production of new roots above the lesions

Spread

• Predominantly on sand and peat soil
• Extensive list of host plants
• Does not attack sugar beet