The document describes photomicrographs of the nematode Ficophagus sp. Photomicrograph A shows the anterior end of a female nematode with its esophageal-pharyngeal (EP) structure. Photomicrograph B shows the entire female nematode. Photomicrograph C shows the vulva and post-vulval uterine sac of a reproductive female. Photomicrograph D shows the entire male nematode, and E shows the anterior end of the male. Photomicrographs F and G show the male tail, spicule, and three papillae. The scale bars indicate the size of the structures shown.

1. Fig.1 Photomicrographs of Ficophagus sp. A: Anterior end of female with EP (arrowhead); B: Entire female; C: Vulva and post-vulval uterine sac of
reproductive female (arrowhead pointing to terminal end of sac); D: Entire male; E: Anterior end of male (arrowhead); F-G: Male tail showing spicule
and three papillae (arrowheads) (Scale bars A-F = 20 μm, G= 10 μm)

2. Fig.1 Photomicrographs of Ficophagus sp. A: Anterior end of female with EP (arrowhead); B: Entire female; C: Vulva and post-vulval uterine sac of
reproductive female (arrowhead pointing to terminal end of sac); D: Entire male; E: Anterior end of male (arrowhead); F-G: Male tail showing spicule
and three papillae (arrowheads) (Scale bars A-F = 20 μm, G= 10 μm)

3. Fig.1 Photomicrographs of Ficophagus sp. A: Anterior end of female with EP (arrowhead); B: Entire female; C: Vulva and post-vulval uterine sac of
reproductive female (arrowhead pointing to terminal end of sac); D: Entire male; E: Anterior end of male (arrowhead); F-G: Male tail showing spicule
and three papillae (arrowheads) (Scale bars A-F = 20 μm, G= 10 μm)

4. Fig.1 Photomicrographs of Ficophagus sp. A: Anterior end of female with EP (arrowhead); B: Entire female; C: Vulva and post-vulval uterine sac of
reproductive female (arrowhead pointing to terminal end of sac); D: Entire male; E: Anterior end of male (arrowhead); F-G: Male tail showing spicule
and three papillae (arrowheads) (Scale bars A-F = 20 μm, G= 10 μm)

5. Fig.1 Photomicrographs of Ficophagus sp. A: Anterior end of female with EP (arrowhead); B: Entire female; C: Vulva and post-vulval uterine sac of
reproductive female (arrowhead pointing to terminal end of sac); D: Entire male; E: Anterior end of male (arrowhead); F-G: Male tail showing spicule
and three papillae (arrowheads) (Scale bars A-F = 20 μm, G= 10 μm)

6. Fig.1 Photomicrographs of Ficophagus sp. A: Anterior end of female with EP (arrowhead); B: Entire female; C: Vulva and post-vulval uterine sac of
reproductive female (arrowhead pointing to terminal end of sac); D: Entire male; E: Anterior end of male (arrowhead); F-G: Male tail showing spicule
and three papillae (arrowheads) (Scale bars A-F = 20 μm, G= 10 μm)

7. Description
 Maize cyst nematodes are small worms which live on plant roots. Female
nematodes look like small white lemon-shaped balls protruding from the maize
root. These pinhead sized balls can be seen by the unaided eye.
 Patches of pale green, stunted maize plants are one of the first signs of infestation
(Figure). Slow leaf emergence and poorly developed root systems are other
symptoms of infestation.
 Infestations may be confirmed by sighting white female nematodes or brown
nematode cysts on the maize roots (Figure). However this identification should be
verified by a certified diagnostic nematology laboratory.
Fig. Small, brown, lemon-shaped maize cyst nematode cysts viewed under a microscope