🦠 Ecological classification

Ecological classification groups nematodes by habitat and feeding behavior, which directly affects symptom patterns and management planning. This lesson organizes common categories used in crop pathology.

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Above-Ground Feeders

A small but important group feeds on aerial tissues such as leaves, stems, or inflorescences. These species often produce localized foliar or spike symptoms and may spread through planting material.

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Below-Ground Feeders

Most economically important plant-parasitic nematodes are root-zone feeders. They include ectoparasites, semi-endoparasites, and endoparasites with either sedentary or migratory habits.

These ecological positions determine lesion type, galling behavior, and disease progression.

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Functional Ecological Categories

Common practical categories include:

1. Ectoparasites feeding externally on roots.
2. Semi-endoparasites with partial body penetration.
3. Endoparasites that may be migratory or sedentary.

This framework helps connect nematode identity with likely symptom complexes.

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Summary Cheat Sheet

Topic	Key Point
Primary split	Above-ground vs below-ground feeders
Major economic group	Below-ground root-associated nematodes
Ecological modes	Ectoparasitic, semi-endoparasitic, endoparasitic
Behavior types	Migratory or sedentary depending on species
Diagnostic value	Habitat often predicts symptom profile

Exam focus: ecological mode and its relationship to root or shoot symptom expression.

References

1 source • [1]

[1]

Ecological classification notes (PATH172)

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