Light microscope observations on the trapping of nematodes by Dactylaria Candida

Abstract

The host–predator relationship of the myceliophagous nematode Aphelenchus avenue Bastian and the predaceous hyphomycete Dactylaria Candida (Nees) Sacc. was investigated under laboratory conditions, using phase-contrast microscopy of whole-mount preparations and thin resin (Spurr) sections. Adhesive trapping knobs were profusely produced by D. Candida and these proved efficient nematode-trapping agents. Nonconstricting rings were rare and never seen to be operative. Dactylaria Candida was found to be capable of parasitizing nematode eggs.