PHYSIOLOGICAL RESPONSE OF NEMATODES TO OSMOTIC STRESS AND AN OSMOTIC TREATMENT FOR SEPARATING NEMATODES

Ditylenchus dipsaci, Hemicycliophora arenaria, Meloidogyne hapla,. 'Pratylenchu.r vulnus, Rhab. ditis spp. and Tylenchulus semipenetrans have been compared with respect to osmotic stress. After 24 hr in various concentrations of hypertonic electrolyte (NaCl) or non-electrolyte (urea), they were transferred to distilled water and their percentage mobility calculated. Their physiological responses varied considerably and from the results a treatment has been devised for separating Rhabditis spp. from D. dipsaci. The data are discussed with reference to possible mechanisms of osmotic tolerance and control and to differences in the biology of the nematodes. © 1969 BRILL.