Nematodes
Nemotodes are microscopic worms invisible to the naked eye. Some attack plants while others are
beneficial, attacking slugs and larvae of weevils and other pests. This section deals with plant-parasistic nematodes Teaming With Microbes offers good information on beneficial microbes, including nematodes.
Susceptible Plants- Most vegetables can be attacked by root-knot nematode. Some of the most susceptible crops are: tomatoes, okra, beans, squash, peppers, carrots, cucumbers, muskmelons. eggplant, and watermelons
Plant symptoms- Plants affected by plant-parasitic nematodes show foliar symptoms similar to those caused by inadequate moisture, poor nutrition or root rot. Affected plants may be stunted and have pale or yellow-green foliage. They may wilt readily under warm breezy conditions even when soil moisture is adequate.
Plant symptoms may range from the undetectable to plant death, depending on the susceptibility of the plant, environmental conditions and the number and species of nematodes attacking the plant.
Established plants usually can withstand nematode feeding on the roots, but young plants are particularly vulnerable.Nodules on the roots of beans and peas can be mistaken for early symptoms of root-knot nematode. Nodules are beneficial structures caused by certain bacteria that supply soil nitrogen to peas and beans. Nodules are attached to the side of roots rather than swollen parts of the roots or nematode cysts. Other plant pathogens can also cause growths on plant roots.
Prevention and Control- If nematodes are causing damage, one or more of the following management measures may be used: :
· -Rotate crops.
· -Relocate the garden.
· -Grow nematode-resistant varieties.
· -Grow early cool-season crops that are least affected.
· -Destroy roots at harvest.
· Add organic matter.
· Solarize the soil.
Plant-parasitic nematodes often interact with other soil pathogens, causing more plant damage than either pathogen would cause alone. The interaction may render plant resistance ineffective.The use of nematode-resistant varieties is a good management choice because it involves minimal effort and expense. However, resistant varieties are not available for all vegetable crops, and in some cases, resistance is incomplete. Incomplete resistance means that the nematode levels will build up if host plants are grown but the number of nematodes will increase more slowly than if a susceptible plant is grown.
Natural Nematicides- Dragonfire -CPP™ Natural Nematicide derived from 100% organic wild sesame CPP seeds and extracted by cold pressing, can control many varieties of plant parasitic nematodes, including Sting, Lance, Stubby-Root, Root-Knot and Spiral. This is a solution for a backyard garden or smaller areas of plant parastic nematode infestation.
Agro - Neemcake Soil Supplement is an OMRI Listed soil supplement that loosens, aerates, and adds nutrition to the soil. It is composed of neem kernels left over from the neem oil extraction process — the "neem cake", which has been shown to be effective for plant parasitic nematode control. Agro - Neemcake is also a fertilizer, containing NPK: 5 -1-1. It can be used on crops, on golf courses, or in greenhouses or gardens.
Solutions for Plant Parasitic Nematodes offered by Arbico's Organics & Gardeners
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| Dragonfire; Natural Nematicide |
Agro - Neemcake Soil Supplement |
"Fieldstone" Kit, Raised Beds |
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