Rev 09/12/23
Belonolaimus gracilis Steiner, 1949
Type species of the genus
Synonyms: none.
Reported median body size for this species (Length mm; width micrometers; weight micrograms) - Click:
South-central and eastern U.S. from Virginia south to Florida (limited distribution in Connecticut, New Jersey, Louisiana, Texas, and Alabama).
Migratory ectoparasite at root tip and along sides. Long stylet penetrates to inner cortex and endodermis; causes root tip damage, resulting in reduced root system with short, stubby branches.
Wide host range: peanut, corn, cotton, tomato, squash, grasses on turf. Tobacco is a non-host.
Ecophysiological Parameters:
Nematode prefers light, sandy soils.
Damage caused by this nematode results mainly from devitalized root tips, and the usual symptoms are plant wilting, stubby and/or coarse roots; necrosis and discoloration occur less frequently. Standifier (1959) reported B. gracilis produced lesions on bean roots which extended into the stele, destroying xylem and phloem.
Nematode also causes plants to be more susceptible to damage from Fusarium.
1. Rotation - additional work needed in this area - rotation to tobacco, coupled with clean cultivation, reduces population of B. gracilis.
Host Plant Resistance, Non-hosts and Crop Rotation alternatives:
2. Soil fumigation with 1,3-Dichloropropene (Telone) and ethylene dibromide (EDB) was effective. Holdeman (year?) reported EDB fumigants was more effective than 1,3-D (then D-D mixture) for controlling sting nematode in South Carolina.