What are the two most commonly occurring nematodes?

• A. Nematodes feed on leaves
• B. Wilt nematodes
• C. Leaf mites
• D. Root-knot and dagger

Answer: (D)

Nematodes are soil-dwelling pests that attack roots, and the two most commonly encountered types in vineyards are root-knot nematodes and dagger nematodes. Root-knot nematodes infect roots and cause galls, which disrupt water and nutrient uptake and stunt vine growth. Dagger nematodes live in the soil and feed on root tips; they can move through the root zone and also transmit certain plant viruses, adding to their impact. These two are the most frequently found because of how widely they inhabit soil and how readily they damage root systems, making them the typical nematode pests growers report. The other options either describe organisms that aren’t nematodes (mites) or refer to nematode concepts in a way that doesn’t identify the common pests.