How do plant-parasitic nematodes feed on plant cells?

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Blight — Plant disease Potato leaf infected with a fungal blight.

Plant-parasitic nematodes feed by extracting juices from plant cells using a specialized, hollow, needlelike mouthpart known as a stylet.1

The feeding process involves the following steps:
* Penetration: The nematode inserts its stylet into the plant cells.1
* Digestion: It injects a liquid containing enzymes into the cells, which liquefies the internal contents.1
* Ingestion: The nematode then sucks these liquefied nutrients back into its own digestive tract through the stylet.1

In addition to direct feeding, root injury is often exacerbated by the parasite's toxic salivary excretions, which can cause cells to enlarge or degenerate. This feeding activity weakens the plant, reducing its vigor and yield, and creates entry points for other pathogens such as bacteria or fungi.1