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H. dihystera colonizing bromeliad root tissues
Photograph courtesy of Jason D. Stanley

Nematology Section

Compiled by Janete A. Brito, Ph.D., Jason D. Stanley, M.S., and Renato N. Inserra, Ph.D.

This section analyzes soil and plant samples for nematodes, conducts pest detection surveys and provides diagnosis of plant problems, in addition to completing identification of plant parasitic nematodes involved in regulatory and certification programs. State of Florida statutes and rules mandate the principal part of the regulatory activity of the section. Analyses of plant and soil samples include those from in-state programs, plant shipments originating in Florida destined for other states and countries, as well as samples intercepted in Florida from outside the United States.

Nematodes of Special Interest

Bromeliads are ornamental epiphytes that are grown and traded for their attractive foliage and flowers. These ornamental epiphytes produce roots that anchor the plant to branches and twigs of trees, but also take up nutrients when bromeliads are in contact with soil or other growing media. Bromeliad roots are often parasitized by plant-parasitic nematodes. (See photograph.) Ectoparasitic species such as spiral nematodes may penetrate partially in bromeliad root tissues. Other ectoparasitic such as such stunt nematodes feed on the roots with their stylet without penetrating the tissue with their bodies. The damage caused by these ectoparasitic nematodes on bromeliads is not serious; however, the presence of these nematodes in nematode-certified shipments may cause regulatory problems for plant export to national and international markets. Ectoparasitic species recently found on bromeliads are listed below.

Helicotylenchus dihystera (Cobb, 1893) Sher, 1961, (a spiral nematode) was found infecting the roots of an ornamental bromeliad (Bromeliaceae). (Lake County, N09-00589, Charles L. Spriggs, 1 May 2009.)

Tylenchorhynchus eremicolus Allen, 1955, (a stunt nematode) was found infecting the roots of an ornamental bromeliad (Bromeliaceae). (Lake County, N09-00589, Charles L. Spriggs, 1 May 2009.)

Collectors submitting five or more samples that were processed for nematological analysis in May - June 2009