Belonolamius longicaudatus is a highly virulent nematode pathogen of many important crops in the southeastern United States, yet there have been few comparative studies among different populations. The objective of this study was to determine the population behavior and developmental biology among several isolates obtained from varying geographical locations. These investigations were carried out with nematodes cultured on excised corn roots grown on Gamborg medium at a constant temperature. Females began laying eggs in pairs 2 to 3 days after they were placed on excised corn roots. The period from embryogenesis to hatch of second-stage juveniles for all isolates was 3 to 4 days. Egg development required approximately 9 days at 18ºC, 5 days at 23ºC, and 3.7 days at 28ºC, whereas no eggs were laid at 33ºC. At 28ºC the Georgia isolate had the fastest rate of development, the North Carolina isolate had the slowest rate, and the three Florida isolates were intermediate. Although second-stage juveniles of all isolates were highly active, their feeding time was less than that for other juvenile stages.
