Nemotology Images

Affects:

  • Rice

  • Ornamentals

  • Strawberry

Damages:

Foliar nematodes affect the above ground plant, feeding mainly on leaves and buds. Affected leaf tissue turns brown and necrotic, allowing other parasites and fungal diseases easy access. New growth is stunted and grows curled and twisted. Nematodes move through plant veins, so damage may be contained to larger veins, giving a patch-like appearance.

Control:

There is very little ability to control Foliar nematode infestations after visible symptoms have started. Destroy infected plants and keep beds weed free. Do not use plants with foliar damage to avoid introducing Aphelechoides to your production area.

Morphological Identification:

  • Males and females around 1000um long

  • Slender with conical tails, often with a mucronate

  • Wide median bulbs, more than ¾ width of their body.

  • Off set head

  • Small stylet knobs

  • Males have 2 large, cat claw-like spicules and no bursa

  • Females have vulva at V-75

Aphelenchoides (Foliar)

Clemson University. (n.d.). Important instructions on use of nematode guidelines.

Meyers, M., & Hudelson, B. (2024, March 1). Foliar nematodes. Wisconsin Horticulture. Retrieved January 16, 2026, from https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/foliar-nematodes/

Aphelenchoides Head

Aphelenchoides Body

Aphelenchoides Tail - Male