• 1 January 1980
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 12  (4) , 253-259
Abstract
Catenaria auxiliaris (Kuehn) Tribe, Nematophthora gynophila Kerry and Crump and a Lagenidiaceous fungus attack female cyst nematodes. All are zoosporic fungi which parasitize females on the root surface, cause the breakdown of the nematode cuticle and prevent cyst formation. Their identification and some aspects of their biology are reviewed. N. gynophila is widespread in Britain [UK] and reduces populations of the cereal cyst nematode, Heterodera avenae Woll., to nondamaging levels. The potential of these nematophagous fungi as biocontrol agents is discussed.