Life Cycle
The nematodes survival stage is to remain anhydrobiotic in seed until planting. As surrounding plants grow the nematodes become active and feed on meristematic tissue. A. besseyi reproduces amphimicticly although parthenogenesis can take place. As the plant begins to reach reproductive maturity the number of nematodes increases dramatically. The nematodes migrate to feed on reproductive structures eventually settling in the developing rice seed. As the kernel dries the nematode slowly desiccates and can remain viable in the kernel for up to three years. The life cycle of A.besseyi is generally short consisting of around 8–12 days. This species is thermophilic. The lower threshold for development is 13°C and the optimum temperature varies between 23°C and 30°C. The sum of effective temperatures for the development of one generation is 80 degree-days.
Read more about this topic: Aphelenchoides Besseyi
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