Southern sting nematode (Ibipora lolii), a serious pest of turf grasses in Australia. A review of what can be learnt from research on Belonolaimus longicaudatus, a closely related pest of turfgrass and many crops in the United States

Abstract

Sting nematode (Belonolaimus longicaudatus) is one of the most destructive nematode pests in the United States. It is native to the sandy coastal plains of the south-eastern states and causes severe damage to a wide range of plants including turf grasses, ornamentals, forages, vegetables, agronomic crops and trees. Ibipora lolii, a closely related nematode, occurs in Australia and is a widespread and destructive pest of turf grasses, particularly in the Newcastle area of New South Wales and the Perth region of Western Australia. As very little is known about the biology, ecology and control of I. lolii, this review encapsulates the knowledge gained from many years of research on B. longicaudatus and uses it to develop an action plan that, if implemented, would minimise the spread of the nematode and provide more effective control measures.