Pratylenchus

Pratylenchus is a genus of plant-parasitic nematodes responsible for root lesions on many plant hosts in temperate regions around the world. Lesion nematodes are migratory endoparasites that enter the host root for feeding and reproduction and move freely through or out of the root tissue. They do not become sedentary in the roots, as do the cyst or root-knot nematodes. Feeding is restricted almost entirely to the cortex of the root. Species differentiation is usually based on morphology; especially by variation in mouthparts known as stylets.