The Orientation of Ditylenchus Dipsaci To Physical Stimuli

Abstract

In a temperature gradient of 2-30° C over 15 cm, D. dipsaci aggregates at about 10° C. In a moisture gradient the nematodes aggregate at the end with a high moisture content and, in a particle size gradient they collect in the fine particles at one end of the gradient. Light, gravity and water percolation do not affect the orientation of D. dipsact although passive directional movement may occur with the last two stimuli.