Intracellular Feeding Tubes Associated With Sedentary Plant Parasitic Nematodes

Abstract

Intracellular nematode feeding tubes were found in feeding cells of Globodera rostochiensis, G. pallida, Heterodera schachtii, H. trifolii, Meloidogyne hapla and M. incognita. They seem to be common and lasting structures produced at the feeding sites of sedentary root nematodes. Differences in tube formation between genera are described. These tubes are interpreted as a drainage system for secretions of the nurse cells. The nematodes are hypothesized to feed on these secretions rather than on cytoplasm.