Aphelenchus avenae

Aphelenchus avenae is a mycophagous nematode capable of feeding on plant tissue in culture. It is a nematode commonly found in the soil, known to primarily feed on fungi. However, there have been instances where Aphelenchus has been observed in healthy plant tissue, although there is currently no evidence suggesting that it causes harm to higher plants. Due to its ease of cultivation on fungi, Aphelenchus is considered a suitable organism for experimental purposes. Within the Aphelenchus genus, several species have been identified, but experts are uncertain whether these represent distinct species or if A. avenae is simply a morphologically variable species. In the Netherlands, only female specimens of Aphelenchus have been discovered, while in southern Europe, males are quite common. Interestingly, if we cultivate Dutch material at higher temperatures, males also appear in the population.


 * Feeding: Hyphal feeder; Aphelenchus avenae feeds on a variety of fungi, but is not known to feed on higher plants.
 * Hosts: Fungi
 * Digestion: A genetic analysis by Karim et al. 2009 reveals cell wall-lytic enzymes in A. avenae - enzymes analogous in function to the β-1,4-endoglucanases in cyst nematodes.
 * Life Cycle: Males seem fairly common in some populations, less frequent in others; Capable of withstanding dry conditions through anhydrobiosis. Used as a model system for studying anhydrobiosis.
 * Management: Numbers are increased by addition of complex organic materials to soil to enhance fungal decomposition.