Glossary

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Nematodes

Roundworms

Nematodes are the most species-rich and abundant group of multi-cellular organisms found in the soil and in water.

Parasitic nematodes: There are many nematode species that live in particular host plants or animals. Beet cyst nematodes, for instance, present a major threat to sugar beet cultivation. Breeding varieties that are resistant to nematodes takes time and effort and is not always successful. One proven method for combating nematodes in sugar beet cultivation is large-scale crop rotation with nematode-resistant intermediate crops.

Pesticides used to control nematodes are called nematicides.

Free-living, non-parasitic nematodes are very important for the proper functioning of soil. They therefore make good ecological indicators for monitoring and evaluating agricultural land.

C.elegans
Photo: Sebastian Höss

The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans is a popular research object in many areas of biology and medicine. This is because C. elegans has a simple anatomical and genetic structure, is easy to maintain and has a short lifecycle.