Root-knot Nematodes
Class: Nematodes
Common Name
Root-knot Nematodes
Scientific name
Specie of the genus Meloidogyne
Potential Hosts
Thousands of different plants species for farming and gardening, including field crops, vegetables, herbs, grasses, and ornamental plants.
Who am I?
Root-knot nematodes are microscopic worms and are an obligatory parasite (organism that relies on its host for reproduction). These worms live in the soil and can severely damage plant roots.
As infestations progress, galls will gradually form along the roots of infected plants. Typical symptoms are chlorosis of new foliage, impaired growth, and reduction in yields.
Control measures
Cultural
First and foremost, prevent the spread of nematodes from contaminated land plots to other regions by strictly prohibiting the transfer of any agricultural ground processing tools that came in contact with the soil in contaminated fields. Properly disinfect all tools that came in contact with infected soil with bleach or alcohol before using them in uncontaminated fields.
Organic
Bacillus firmus
Conventional (chemical)
Successfully managing root-knot nematodes requires fumigating with specific chemicals. Fumigation will take place prior to planting and in between seasons. Depending on the specific product, implementation can take place before or after a soil disinfection, or as part of a standard soil disinfection application involving the use of metam - sodium.
Work in accordance with the product label and keep in mind that some products can only be used by trained professionals. The following are generic names for nematicides products used in one or more parts of the world: 1,3-dichloropropene, dimethyl disulfide (DMDS), and fluensulfone.
In addition to the above, there are several products designed for use during the growth season. In cases where the duration of the growing season takes most of the year, additional nematodes suppression may be needed. The following are generic names for such products used in one or more parts of the world: oxamyl, cadusafos, fenamiphos, and abamectin (only specific product designed especially to combat nematodes).
Caution and careful notice should be taken when using any plant protection products (insecticides, fungicides, and herbicides). It is the grower’s sole responsibility to keep track of the legal uses and permissions with respect to the laws in their country and destination markets. Always read the instructions written on labels, and in a case of contradiction, work in accordance to the product label. Keep in mind that information written on the label usually applies to local markets. Pest control products intended for organic farming are generally considered to be less effective in comparison to conventional products. When dealing with organic, biologic, and to some extent a small number of conventional chemical products, a complete eradication of a pest or disease will often require several iterations of a specific treatment or combination of treatments.