| description |
Bursaphelenchus mucronatus is a migratory parasitic nematode that feeds on pine tissues and also on fungi colonizing the trees. B. mucronatus is distributed throughout the Northern Hemisphere and is a prevalent species in Central and North Europe. It is the closest species related to Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, the nematode responsible for the Pine wilt disease. Although similar in morphological and ecological characteristics, B. mucronatus is different in pathogenicity, invasiveness, and competitive potential. This nematode has become a preferred target for comparative studies to understand pinewood nematode infection mechanism. |