Each has also been shown to be able to transmit plant viruses.
Therefore, if the viruses they transmit are also present, crop damage is likely to be more severe than for the presence of nematodes alone.
Examples from the literature can be found in the nematode-host association databases.
All stages of X. index transmit fan leaf virus and the nematode can acquire the virus within 24 hours of exposure. Xiphinema index has been found to retain the virus for 12 weeks when allowed to feed on virus-immune fig roots. Evidence to date suggests that nematode transmitted viruses do not persist through a nematode molt and do not pass through nematode eggs. Nematode vectoring of fan leaf virus is important in spreading virus infection from vine to vine within an infested vineyard; however, a wide scale transmission of virus disease is generally a result of movement of infected propagative stock. The limited distribution of the fan leaf virus remains a tribute to the diligence of quarantine officials and industry. Xiphinema americanum is a vector of peach yellow bud mosaic virus and grape yellow vein virus, both occasionally found in California. Stubby root nematode species, such as P. minor, P. allius, and P. porosus, are known vectors of American isolates of tobacco rattle virus. Although these last named viruses appear currently to be of minor agricultural importance in California, symptoms have appeared on lettuce and peppers.
From: McKenry, M.V. and P. A. Roberts. 1985. Phytonematology Study Guide. University of California, Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Publication 4045.