Potato Cyst Nematode
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Potato Cyst Nematodes
Potato cyst nematodes are soil-dwelling, worm-like organisms, less than 1mm in length and feeds on the roots of plants in the Solanaceae family. High concentrations of these pests can reduce crop yields by 80%
Susceptible Plants- Potato, Tomato, Eggplant, and most members of the Solanaceae Family. Symptoms- The potato cyst nematode, Globodera pallida, is a major pest of solanaceae crops in cool-temperate areas. Potato cyst nematode infestations may be associated with patches of poor growth. Affected plants may exhibit yellowing, wilting or death of foliage. Affected plants have a reduced root system that shows abnormal branching and a brownish tint. Around flowering, minute white, yellow or brown spheres or cysts can be seen on the outside of roots. PCN reduces potential yields even in light infestations. Heavy infestations significantly reduce the size and number of tubers in potatoes Prevention and Control- Once invested the soil can be infected for 10 or more years. There are a number of precautions that can be taken to prevent the introduction and spread of Potato Cyst Nematodes. § Plant certified seed purchased from recognised, certified-seed producers. § Avoid sharing equipment with other growers. The most common way of spreading Potato Cyst Nematodes is in soil or on equipment. § Thoroughly clean all equipment moving off a property. § Practice crop rotation. § Arm yourself with information about the pest - its symptoms and appearance. § Regularly examine your crops for patches of poor or yellowpotato plants. § Consider using the 'No Dig' Gardening Method Natural Nematicides- Arbico Organics offers a product called Dragon Fire CCP™, a natural nematicide derived from 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. Although it is food grade, this is not common sesame; it is highly unsaturated, and unlike regular sesame seed oil, it has a high concentration of linolenic, lioleic, palmatic, stearic and oleic acids. The total acid content exceeds 65%. Dragonfire -CPP™ can be applied to all agricultural crops, fruit and nut trees, bananas, and forage, as well as vegetable gardens, landscapes, lawns, sports fields, and golf courses. OMRI listed.
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