Cereal and leguminous host response to Longidorus belloi feeding

Abstract

The new species Longidorus belloi Andres et Arias (1988) was found associated with cereal crops in Spain (Andres and Arias, 1985). Experiments were done under controlled conditions to obtain information on the reaction of some cereals and leguminous crops to the nematode. Cohn (1975) states that the ability of a nematode to feed on a particular plant does not in itself indicate that the plant is a host in the sense of supporting reproduction. Nevertheless, the histological reaction of the plant in response to the nematode's feeding can be indicative of its susceptibility or resistance to the parasite and hence indirectly, at least, of its host status.