The document discusses major plant parasitic nematodes found in India. It states that the most common nematode pests of maize are root-knot nematodes Meloidogyne incognita and M. javanica. Lesion nematodes, predominantly Pratylenchus zeae, also commonly infect maize and other crops. The document lists crop yield losses ranging from 4-70% due to infection by cyst nematodes such as Heterodera avenae and H. zeae. It provides photographs showing the physical characteristics of the Ficophagus nematode genus.

1. MAJOR PLANT PARASITIC NEMATODES OF INDIA

2. The most widespread and frequently
encountered nematode pests of maize are
root-knot nematodes, with Meloidogyne
incognita and M. javanica dominating.
Lesion nematodes follow,
with Pratylenchus zeae generally being the
predominant of a range of species from
this genus. However, other plant-parasitic
nematodes of the families Criconematidae,
Dolichodoridae and Hoplolaimidae and
species of Longidorus, Nanidorus,
Paratrichodorus and Xiphinema have also
been recorded from maize-producing
areas.

3. Losses due to Cyst nematodes
• Wheat - 32.4-66.6% (Heterodera avenae)
• Barley - 70.2% (H. avenae)
• Rice - 10.54% (H. oryzicola)
• Maize - 17-29% (H. zeae)
• Pigeonpea - 12.62% (H. cajani)
• Sesame - 4.40% (H. cajani)
• Sorghum-
Bushy appearance due to H. avenae
H. zeae infestation
H. cajani

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. 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)

8. 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)

9. 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)

10. 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