
Hirschmanniella Luc & Goodey, 1964
In the Netherlands, the genus Hirschmanniella Luc & Goodey, 1964 is represented by different species including Hirschmanniella gracilis, described by de Man in 1880. All species within this genus are plant parasite and are unique in the sense that they are adapted to aquatic life. As migratory endoparasites they live in and around the roots of water plants like reeds (Phragmites sp.). Sometimes they can also be found in wet soils. In the Netherlands, they are not of economic importance but in warmer regions, where rice is grown, several Hirschmanniella species can cause considerable yield decreases.
More pictures of Hirschmanniella gracilis (de Man, 1880) Luc & Goodey, 1964:
(Click on the pictures for an enlargement, © Wageningen University & Research, Laboratory of Nematology/Pictures: Hanny van Megen)