Microlaena gall nematode

The Microlaena gall nematode (Anguina microlaenae) belongs to the order Tylenchida and the family Anguinidae. It is a specialized plant parasite known for inducing the formation of galls, which are abnormal tissue growths that disrupt the physiological development and reproduction of host cereal plants.

The primary hosts of this pest include wild and cultivated grasses. It is most frequently associated with the Microlaena genus, as well as various meadow and pasture grasses. The damage caused by this nematode significantly inhibits plant growth and reduces the seed yield potential of infected crops.

The biology of the nematode is strictly dependent on the host plant's growth cycle. Juveniles invade floral or vegetative primordia, stimulating gall formation. Inside these galls, the nematodes develop, feed on plant juices, and eventually reach maturity to reproduce, ensuring the parasite's survival throughout the following season.

Characteristic damage includes the formation of galls where healthy seeds should develop, or localized swellings in leaf axils. As a result, the seeds are replaced by a mass of nematodes, leading to total seed crop loss and a significant decline in fodder quality. Infected plants often exhibit stunted growth and structural distortions.

Management practices primarily focus on cultural control methods to limit the pest population. Key strategies include:

• Sourcing certified nematode-free seeds for planting.
• Implementing crop rotation with non-host species to break the life cycle.
• Sanitation practices, including the removal and destruction of infected debris and weed hosts.
• Deep tillage to bury and destroy overwintering stages of the nematode in the soil.