Intersex or sex reversal amongst plant parasitic nematodes

The intersexuality amongst plant parasitic nematodes has been discussed to be an intermediate stage of sex reversal of male into female. We, hereby, suggest four possible reasons for the sex reversal, this being an intermediate stage - a so-called intersex phase: (1) gene mutation, (2) unusual numerical relationship between autosomes and sex chromosomes during fertilization, (3) effect of female sex hormone secreted by adult females alongwith the mating attractant, and (4) presence or absence of andrgenic hormone in males. The possible effect of female sex hormone on the synthesis of macromolecules which might play a role in sex reversal, is discussed in particular.