Definition

A stylet is a stiff, slender, hollow feeding organ of plant-parasitic nematodes or sap-sucking insects, such as aphids or leafhoppers.

Above: The head region (highly magnified) of a root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne sp.), containing a spear-shaped stylet used for extracting food from certain cells in the roots of host plants.

Discussion

Plants organs most commonly attacked by these parasites are roots, leaves, petioles, flowers and succulent stems. The stylets are the mode of transmission for many insect- or nematode borne plant-pathogenic viruses or phytoplasmas.

Management

- Stylet oils applied to plant organs

- Approved insecticides and nematicides

Host range

Most plants are susceptible to feeding by certain species of stylet-bearing insects and/or nematodes.