Root-knot Nematodes - Meloidogyne spp.                         RJ Reynolds Tobacco Co. Slide Set, www.ipmimages.org              Edward L. Barnard, Florida Dept. of                                                                                                             Agriculture & Consumer Sciences HOSTS: Vegetables, flowers, woody shrubs and weeds. DESCRIPTION: Nematodes are microscopic roundworms. They can only move short distances on their own, but may be spread in transported soil or plant debris. They persist over a fairly long time in gelatinous sack-like structures when conditions are unfavorable. LIFE CYCLE: Females, eggs and juveniles survive in intact roots. Eggs and juveniles are released into the soil when plants decompose. Nematodes are active when soil is moist and warm. CONTROLS: Cultural: Control with rotations that include a summer fallow and/or winter cover crop of wheat. Winter grains planted when soil temperatures are below 65° F. help to decrease nematode populations. In hot weather, heat soil with solarization techniques (clear plastic for 3 – 5 weeks), then uncover and leave to dry. Biological: Apply parasitic nematodes.
Missoula County Extension Office; Missoula, Montana 59808 - Updated for 2006