Aphelenchus avenae is a mycophagous nematode capable of feeding on plant tissue in culture.[1][2][3][4]
Aphelenchus avenae is a mycophagous nematode capable of feeding on plant tissue in culture.
Feeding: Hyphal feeder; Aphelenchus avenae feeds on a variety of fungi, but is not known to feed on higher plants. Hosts: Fungi Digestion: A genetic analysis by Karim et al. 2009 reveals cell wall-lytic enzymes in A. avenae - enzymes analogous in function to the β-1,4-endoglucanases in cyst nematodes. Life Cycle: Males seem fairly common in some populations, less frequent in others; Capable of withstanding dry conditions through anhydrobiosis. Used as a model system for studying anhydrobiosis. Management: Numbers are increased by addition of complex organic materials to soil to enhance fungal decomposition.
