Some Factors Affecting the Number and Size of Nematodes in Populations of Aphelenchus Avenae

Abstract

Individuals and populations of Aphelenchus avenae were affected by the temperatures at which they developed, the host on which they fed and the nutrition which the host received. The optimum temperature for reproduction was 30°C. Average length of adults was related to population numbers at higher temperatures, but at 30° total volume of nematodes decreased while numbers did not decrease significantly. A. avenae utilised some hosts more efficiently than others.