Some fungi prey on nematodes as a source of nutrients. Common genera that trap nematodes include Arthrobotrys, Dactylaria, Dactylella, and Trichothecium. These fungi produce structures like adhesive networks, stalked knobs, adhesive rings, and constrictive rings to trap nematodes. When a nematode touches one of these structures, it becomes stuck and is trapped, after which the fungal hyphae penetrate and enzymatically degrade the nematode. Most nematode-trapping fungi are in the division Deuteromycota, though some Basidiomycota like Pleurotus sp. release toxins to paralyze nematodes. Capturing nematodes provides a

1. MICROBE –ANIMAL INTERACTION
NEMATOPHAGUS FUNGI

2. • Some fungi prey on nematodes as a source of nutrients .
•By parmer 1964, Nordbring-Hertz and Jansson 1984, Barron
1992
•Common Genera of nematode-trapping fungi are:-
1. Arthrobotrys
2. Dactylaria
3. Dactylella
4. Trichothecium
•Mechanisms by which the fungi capture nematode prey:-
1. Production of networks of adhesive branches
2. Stalked adhesive knobs
3. Adhesive rings
4. Constrictive rings

3.  When a nematode prey attempts to move past an adhesive
hyphal structure, it is sticks to it and is trapped.
 When it tries to pass through a constricting ring, a fungal ring
contracts by a sudden osmotic swelling and traps the
nematode.
 Voilent movements and attempts by nematodes to escape
generally fails.
 The fungal hyphae penetrates into nematode which is then
enzymatically degraded.
 When growing in the absence of nematode appears to
induce the formation of morphological structure that traps the
nematodes.
 This is a unique relationship in which presence of prey
induces the formation of fungal structures that result in its
capture and consumption.

4. MOSTLY DEUTEROMYCOTA ARE FEW BASIDOMYCOTA
 EXAMPLE
 Hohenbuehelia and Resupinatus- capture nematode y
means of adhesive knobs.
 Pleurotus ostreatus (edible oyster mushroom) & Pleurotus
sp. Form no trap structure.
 By mean of toxin they paralyze nematodes
 The described Basidiomycota often grow on decaying wood,
a nitrogen poor substrate.
 It is suggest by Thorn and Barron in 1984 that captured
nematodes are source of supplemental nitrogen for fungi.

5. infective larvae captured by nematophagus fungi

6. D.Drechslerii
which trapped
nematode

7. BY ABHISHEK BHARGAV
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