What is a common symptom of damage caused byRoot lesion nematodes?

Stunted plant growth is a common symptom of damage caused by root lesion nematodes. These nematodes primarily attack the root system of plants, leading to significant disruption of the plant's ability to absorb water and nutrients. The damage they inflict on the roots can impair the plant's overall health, resulting in reduced growth vigor and visible stunting.

In contrast, other symptoms like discoloration of leaves, increased flowering, and root galls are indicative of different types of pest damage or plant stress. For example, leaf discoloration often results from nutrient deficiencies or other diseases, while root galls are more characteristic of root-knot nematodes rather than root lesion nematodes. Increased flowering does not typically correlate with the damage caused by root lesion nematodes, as stunted growth usually leads to a reduction in flowering ability. Therefore, understanding the specific symptom of stunted growth provides insight into the impacts of root lesion nematodes on crop health and productivity.