EC. (Electrical conductivity). The reciprocal resistance to flow in a solution between two electrodes having an area of one cm2 and separated by a distance of one cm. An EC of 0.75 mmhos/cm is about the maximum for water to be used for regular turf irrigation.

ECTOPARASITIC NEMATODE. A nematode that feeds on the outside of the plant. See endoparasitic.

EMULSION. A suspension of one liquid in another, distinguished from a solution in which two liquids combine completely and become one.

ENDOSPERM. The stored food in a seed. The young seedling lives off the endosperm until photosynthesis begins.

ENDOPARASITIC NEMATODE. A nematode which feeds from the inside of a plant.

ENDOPHYTE. Fungus that lives within the tissue of plants by growing between the cells. Is involved in conveying insect resistance to perennial ryegrass and certain fescues. Transmitted from one generation to the next by seed. (Endophyte levels reduce with prolonged seed storage).

EPIDERMIS. The outermost layer of cells of a plant.

EUTROPHICATION. A condition occurring in bodies of water in which there is a shortage of oxygen and an abundance of aquatic plants. This condition is aggravated by runoff containing nitrogen and phosphorus.

EVAPOTRANSPIRATION. The water evaporated from the soil plus that transpired by the plants.