Short-tailed rotylenchus

Rotylenchus brevicaudatus is a plant-parasitic nematode belonging to the phylum Nematoda, class Secernentea, order Tylenchida, and the family Hoplolaimidae. It is recognized as a significant ectoparasite that resides in the soil and feeds on the outer and deeper layers of plant root systems.

This pest has a diverse host range, primarily targeting woody perennials, berries, and various nursery crops. It is frequently identified as a major limiting factor in the cultivation of strawberries and fruit trees, where it causes persistent damage to the root architecture and limits water and nutrient uptake.

The biological cycle of Rotylenchus brevicaudatus consists of an egg stage, four larval instars, and an adult stage. Both juveniles and adults are motile and capable of piercing plant tissues. The population density typically peaks during periods of favorable soil moisture and moderate temperatures, which are essential for their continuous reproduction and survival in the root zone.

Damage is characterized by stunted development of the root system, resulting in chlorosis, reduced foliage growth, and a general decline in plant vigor. Because the nematode creates necrotic lesions on the roots, it significantly weakens the plant's structural integrity and often provides entry points for secondary pathogens like fungi, leading to root rot complex.

Management strategies for this nematode are primarily preventative, as direct eradication from open soil is difficult:

• Crop rotation using non-host or antagonistic plant species;
• Strict sanitation protocols for nursery stock to prevent spread;
• Maintaining healthy soil structure and high organic matter content;
• Application of certified clean planting material to infested areas.