EELWORM

any of several worms of the class Nematoda (phylum Aschelminthes), so called because they resemble miniature eels. The term is most often applied to smaller members of the class Nematoda that are either free-living or parasitic in plants. Most eelworms are 0.1 to 1.5 millimetres (0.004 to 0.06 inch) long. They are found in all parts of the world. Free-living forms occur in salt water, fresh water, and damp soil. Parasitic forms are found in the roots of many plant species; the potato-root eelworm, Heterodera rostochiensis, for example, is a serious pest of potatoes. Some species occur in both animals and plants.