VIEW ARTICLE

Growth Stimulation of Sporobolus poiretii by Aphelenchoides besseyi. Robert B. Marlatt, Plant Pathologist, University of Florida, Sub-Tropical Experiment Station, Homestead 33030; V. G. Perry, Nematologist, Department of Entomology and Nematology, Gainesville 32601. Phytopathology 61:740. DOI: 10.1094/Phyto-61-740.

The wild grass, Sporobolus poiretii, developed a heavier top weight and produced more inflorescences when infested with a foliar nematode, Aphelenchoides besseyi, than did grass with no nematodes. Grass height was not affected significantly. This appears to be the first report of a foliar nematode increasing the growth of a plant.