Nematodes

Nematodes are microscopic unsegmented roundworms that are one of the most numerous life forms on earth. While many species are free-living and play an important part in organic matter recycling, other species are parasitic to either plants or animals. Plant parasitic nematodes live in plant roots and other plant parts, causing disease.

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development is researching the effective and sustainable management of plant parasitic nematodes and provides information on resistance and tolerance of crop species and cultivars. This enables crop sequences to be designed which minimise the build-up and impact of major plant parasitic nematode species in Western Australian farming systems.