Pine Wood Nematode
Bursaphelenchus xylophilus
This nematode affects pine trees and causes pine wilt, leading to the death of the trees within a few weeks. Originating in North America, they have now become a worldwide pest. Perhaps the most notable PWN epidemic has occurred in Japan, where pine wilt is credited with the destruction of some 26 million cubic meters of timber since WWII.
A tree with pine wilt.
B. xylophilus is best distinguished by three characteristics: The spicules (tiny spine-like structures) are flattened into a disc-like structure, also known as the cuculus, at the end of the worm. Their anterior vulval lip has a distinct overlapping flap and the posterior end of the female body is rounded in nearly all of the individuals.
These parasites survive by feeding on a fungus that grows on pine trees, not the pine itself. Unable to independently move, they require insect vectors to move them from tree to tree. They have the shortest life-cycle of all parasitic nematodes, roughly four days.
These parasites survive by feeding on a fungus that grows on pine trees, not the pine itself. Unable to independently move, they require insect vectors to move them from tree to tree. They have the shortest life-cycle of all parasitic nematodes, roughly four days.