Question

Which of the following nematodes is known to cause 'yellow ear rot' in wheat?

• A. Anguina tritici
• B. Heterodera avenae
• C. Pratylenchus thornei
• D. Ditylenchus dipsaci

Hint:

Anguina tritici = Wheat seed gall nematode = Yellow ear rot in wheat.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Key Concept: Different wheat nematodes are identified by the specific plant part and symptom they attack.

Why it's correct: Anguina tritici (wheat seed gall nematode) infects wheat ears directly, forming galls that replace normal grains — the discolored, deformed appearance known as yellow ear rot.

Why others fail: Heterodera avenae attacks roots (cyst disease), Pratylenchus thornei causes root lesions, and Ditylenchus dipsaci attacks stems/bulbs — none produce ear galls.