Nematodes primarily attack which part of the plant?

Nematodes primarily target the root systems of plants. This is significant because their presence in the soil can lead to various detrimental effects on plant health. As microscopic roundworms, nematodes can penetrate the root tissues, causing physical damage and often leading to root galls or lesions. This damage affects the plant's ability to absorb water and nutrients, which can result in stunted growth, yellowing of leaves, and overall plant decline.

Additionally, nematodes can also introduce pathogens into the root zone, further compromising plant vitality. Understanding this relationship is critical for effective management practices in agriculture, particularly in Texas where certain nematode species can be economically damaging to crops. Recognizing the specific part of the plant that nematodes target is key to developing proper control measures, such as crop rotation, soil management, and the use of resistant plant varieties.