Which of the following is a symptom of plant parasitic nematodes?

The symptom associated with plant parasitic nematodes is off-coloring and thinning of turf. Nematodes are microscopic roundworms that can invade the root systems of turfgrass, leading to significant stress and damage. When these nematodes affect the plants, they disrupt the normal nutrient and water uptake, causing the grass to exhibit a yellowish color or general decline in vigor, which is indicative of nutrient deficiencies and poor health.

This condition manifests visible symptoms such as thinning patches, reduced growth, and an overall decline in turf quality. Proper identification of these symptoms is crucial for effective management, as it enables turf managers to implement appropriate control strategies to mitigate nematode damage and restore the health of the grass.

Factors like healthy root systems and green, lush growth are not aligned with the presence of nematodes, as these conditions would typically indicate a thriving plant. Similarly, excessive moss growth often signifies underlying problems such as poor drainage or shade but is not a direct symptom of nematode damage.