Eelworm is a tiny, threadlike worm that lives as a parasite in plants. Eelworms are also called plant nemas. They may do great damage to crops. Certain eelworms attack plant leaves, stems, or roots and produce hard swellings called galls. Other destructive eelworms can puncture plant tissue and suck cell sap out through their hollow, spearlike stylets. The eggs and larvae (young) of many eelworms can withstand cold and dryness for relatively long periods. Warmth and moisture make them active again. Female eelworms can become so swollen with eggs that they look like tiny lemons. They soon die and the body wall forms a tough cyst (sac). The eggs are released when the cyst breaks.
