A genus of microscopic parasitic nematodes (roundworms) that feed on fungi and occasionally harm plant roots in soil.
From Greek 'apheles' (simple, without) and 'length' (derived from 'henchein'). Scientific nomenclature created by 19th-century parasitologists studying soil-dwelling organisms.
These nematodes are so tiny you'd need a microscope to see them, yet they're farmers' hidden allies—some species actually eat the fungi that damage crops!
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