Eelworms (soil-borne)

Correctly known as nematodes, these are small (often microscopic) threadlike organisms which often live on and inside the plants' roots.

Affected plants produce poor growth starting from ground level and often show leaf yellowing and wilting as the pests disrupt the uptake of water and nutrients inside the host plant. With some eelworms small, pin-head sized cysts containing 200-600 eggs are visible on plant roots. The eggs contained within the cysts can remain alive for many years, surviving until a suitable host is planted in the contaminated soil. They can also transmit plant viruses.