Embryonic development of Ditylenchus myceliophagus Goodey, 1958

Embryonic development of Ditylenchus myceliophagus was completed in 75 hrs and 279 hrs at 25^o C and 13^o C, respectively under laboratory condition. A considerable variation in timing of cleavages was recorded at two temperatures, while eggs of D. myceliophagus failed to develop at 5^o and 35^oC. Hatching was assisted by the movement of juvenile inside the eggshell, stylet thrusting as well as the pressure exerted by the lip region on eggshell. Sexes can be differentiated after second moult with the position of germinal nucleus in the genital primordium. Eggs, continuously exposed to light during embryogenesis failed to hatch.