Ecological characteristics of nematode‐trapping Hyphomycetes

Abstract

SUMMARY Conidial germination in sixteen nematode‐trapping Hyphomycete species in amended and unamended soil was studied. On the basis of the pattern of germination the fungi could be divided into two ecological groups: a sensitive group where conidia or germlings quickly gave rise to trapping organs and an insensitive group in which little trap formation occurred. The significance of this in relation to biological control of plant‐parasitic nematodes is discussed.