Nematodes in ornamental pest management are microscopic roundworms that attack which parts of the plant?

• A. Roots, shoots, or leaves
• B. Flowers only
• C. Bark only
• D. Seeds only

Answer: (A)

Plant-parasitic nematodes are tiny roundworms that feed on plant tissues using a specialized feeding apparatus. They can inhabit soil and invade different parts of the plant, not just one area. In ornamentals, the most familiar damage comes from feeding on roots, which disrupts water and nutrient uptake and leads to stunted growth and yellowing. But there are nematodes that attack shoots or leaves as well, causing dieback or foliar symptoms. Because these pests can affect multiple plant parts depending on the species and where they feed, the broad statement that they attack roots, shoots, or leaves best captures what nematodes can do.