Initial indications of infection are yelloish-green areas on the leaf
blades which become thicker and light green. About 2 weeks later, small
galls appear. Galls become fully mature in 4-6 weeks and develop a
pore through which juveniles presumably escape. The nematode probably
completes two life cycles in the gall.
Nematodes remain dormant in the dry galls during the dry season and
emerge following the first rainfall. Infection of plants appears to
occur when the first-formed leaves are emerging and are close to the soil
surface (Ahmed et al., 1977).
Ahmed, J.M., Husain, S.I., Raski, D.J. 1977. Occurrence, sympomatology
and biology of stem and leaf gall nematode, Anguina microlaenae on two new
hosts in Iraq. Plant Disease Reporter 61:1086-1088.
Fawcett, S.G.M. 1938. A disease of the Australian grass, Microlaena
stipoides R. Br. caused by a nematode, Anguillulina microlaenae n.sp. J.
Helminthol 16:17-32.