Feeding behaviour and histopathology of Hirschmanniella oryzae, H. imamuri, and H. spinicaudata on rice

The feeding behaviour of Hirschmanniella oryzae, H. imamuri, and H. spinicaudata on excised rice roots was very similar to that of other tylenchid nematodes on other hosts. Juveniles and adults of all three species invaded rice roots, causing extensive mechanical damage. Feeding and burrowing activities predisposed roots to secondary infection in unsterile cultures. Surface-sterilized nematodes did not induce necrosis in axenic cultures.