Pigeonpea cyst nematode (Heterodera cajani) is a nematode pest.
Nematodes are dispersed by soil debris and plant material contaminated with the cysts. Cysts are persistent tanned sacs derived by the female body that contain the eggs. Cysts persist in soil for many years. Juveniles emerge from the cysts, penetrate host roots, and establish a specialized feeding site. They develop into swollen females, which retain eggs. They rupture root cortex, protrude from root surface and produce egg masses.
For more information about this plant pest, see the CAPS data sheet and the CABI data sheet.