Corn cyst nematode

The corn cyst nematode (CCN) Heterodera zeae is a plant parasitic nematode that feeds on corn Zea mays. The CCN has a limited economic impact worldwide due to its high soil temperature requirements.
History
CCN was first described from a population in India in 1970. It was later reported in Egypt and Pakistan. In India the CCN is considered to be one of the four economically important cyst nematodes. The first report of the species in the Western hemisphere came in 1981 from four colonies in Maryland, Harford, Cecil, Kent, and Queen Anne’s counties. These four counties were placed under quarantine. The nematode was later identified from Cumberland Co., VA, over 170 miles from the nearest known infested field in Maryland. In Virginia the nematode was restricted to a 3 by 2.5 mile strip of land along the Appomattox River.
Description
The cysts of CCN are light brown in color and lemon shaped. The cysts also have a zig...