Root Knot Nematode Disease A Stunted Plant Growth Cause

A root knot nematode infestation is probably one of the least talked about but very damaging pests in the gardening landscape. These microscopic worms can move into your soil and attack your plants, leaving them with stunted plant growth and eventual death.

What causes root knot nematodes?

Root-knot nematodes are associated mainly with light soils but most damage is caused under glass, particularly in hot conditions where certain tropical and subtropical species, e.g. the Javanese root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne javanica), have become established.

What causes root knot disease of the plant?

The disease is caused by microscopic, parasitic, soil-inhabiting nematodes, otherwise known as eelworms, of the genus Meloidogyne. These nematodes burrow into the soft tissues of root tips and young roots, and cause the nearby root cells to divide and enlarge. .

What are the diseases caused by nematodes in plants?

Some of the most damaging nematodes are: Root knot (Meloidogyne spp.); Cyst (Heterodera and Globodera spp.); Root lesion (Pratylenchus spp.); Spiral (Helicotylenchus spp.); Burrowing (Radopholus similis); Bulb and stem (Ditylenchus dipsaci); Reniform (Rotylenchulus reniformis); Dagger (Xiphinema spp.); Bud and leaf ( ...

What damage do nematodes cause?

Nematodes are microscopic, wormlike creatures which inhabit the soil and damage the roots of plants, impairing their ability to take up water and nutrients. Symptoms of this damage include stunting, yellowing of plant leaves, and loss of plant vitality.

What kills root knot nematodes?

Soil solarization is a common environmental method of wiping out nematodes and some species of fungi. However, soil solarization will kill all beneficial nematodes, fungi, or bacteria which are in your beds as well, so this is an option which you should not take lightly.

Does sugar kill nematodes?

Since sugar kills nematodes by drying them out, try boiling 1/2 cup of sugar in 2 cups of water until the sugar dissolves. Dilute the mixture with a gallon of water and spray around affected plants. Currently, home gardeners have no access to chemical soil fumigants to thoroughly eradicate the problem.

How do you identify root knot nematode?

Root-knot nematodes can be identified to species using a number of techniques, but one common method is perineal pattern analysis (Figure 19). The perineum (the region surrounding the vulva and anus) of female nematodes displays a pattern of ridges and annulations for each species.

What are the above ground symptoms of root knot infected plants?

Root-knot nematodes do not produce any specific above-ground symptoms. Affected plants have an unthrifty appearance and often show symptoms of stunting, wilting or chlorosis (yellowing). Symptoms are particularly severe when plants are infected soon after planting.

What is the treatment for nematodes?

The treatment of choice for intestinal nematodes, with the exception of Strongyloides, is albendazole or mebendazole. Single-dose or short-course regimens with these oral agents (albendazole 400mg once or mebendazole 500mg once, or 100mg BID for 3 days) cure more than 90% of Ascaris infections.

How do I know if I have nematodes?

Typical symptoms of nematode damage can appear above and below the ground in foliage and roots. Foliar symptoms generally appear in the form of stunting of plants, premature wilting, and leaf chlorosis (yellowing). ... Root-knot nematodes are characterized by the swollen areas on the roots called galls.

How do you kill nematodes in soil?

Other practices, including the use of nematode-free plants or soil and solar heating under plastic, are inexpensive and simple methods of controlling nematodes. To kill nematodes in soil, heat small quantities of moist soil to 140°F in the oven or by solarization.

What are the symptoms of nematodes?

Since most plant nematodes affect root functions, most symptoms associated with them are the result of inadequate water supply or mineral nutrition to the tops: chlorosis (yellowing) or other abnormal coloration of foliage, stunted top growth, failure to respond normally to fertilizers, small or sparse foliage, a ...

Are nematodes good or bad?

Most nematodes are harmless, but a handful of troublesome species attack the outside surfaces of plants, burrowing into the plant tissue and causing root, stem, folar and even flower damage. Other nematodes live inside the plants for part of their lives, causing damage from the inside out.

Are nematodes dangerous to humans?

The nematodes are not dangerous for humans, animals and the plant itself. Nematodes are also used in organic farming to destroy pests without resorting to aggressive poisons. The big advantage: other insects such as bees are not affected by the useful earthlings.

What are the causes of nematodes?

Cause. Many nematodes occur naturally, at low levels, in most soils. Most plant-parasitic nematodes enter the garden through infested soil or infested transplants. Once nematodes are present, they are almost impossible to eliminate, but their damage to plants can be reduced.

Will vinegar kill nematodes?

Wood vinegar contains a small amount of nutrients directly taken in by the plants. It also contains very few elements that have the bactericidal and anthelmintic effect. ... Wood vinegar had been long known to be very effective against nematodes. It kills nematodes directly as well as propagates microbes that feed on them.

Does neem kill nematodes?

Neem Oil has many other functions - it serves as a fungicide, a bactericide, and it kills Plant Parasitic Nematodes but is compatible with Beneficial Nematodes.

At what temperature do nematodes die?

Above 35°C (95°F), nematodes will die quickly.

How do you kill nematodes naturally?

Till infested soil a few times during the winter months to expose nematodes and remaining plant roots to the cold weather. Freezing temperatures and dry, cold wind help kill surviving nematodes. Don't bring nematode-infested plants into your garden. Look at the roots of tomato and pepper plants before planting them.

Will nematodes hurt my plants?

Soil-dwelling nematodes are the most common culprits, but some species can damage plant roots, stems, foliage, and flowers. No matter where they feed, these tiny worms can seriously damage to crops with their sharply pointed mouths by puncturing cell walls.

Will Epsom salt kill nematodes?

Sprinkling Epsom salt

Gardeners often sprinkle some Epsom salt into the pits they dig for their young plants. This gives them a boost as they spread their roots, but it may also protect the roots from grubs and soil parasites such as nematodes.