Crops Affected by Root Nematodes

Root nematodes, better known as root knot nematodes, enter plant roots and feed on them, damaging or destroying the plants they invade, according to the University of Maryland. Smart crop rotation strategies can sometimes reduce the negative impact of these parasites.

Types of Crops

Root knot nematodes can inflict damage to many different types of crops. These categories include many primary field crops, legumes and vegetables, according to the University of Maryland. Ornamental trees and plants also can suffer damage from this invader.

Specific Crops

Lettuce, carrots, and onions all display particular vulnerability to root knot nematodes. Cornell University states that carrots seem most sensitive among these crops, with nearly half of some farmlands' carrot yields destroyed by the nematodes. Onions plagued by nematodes can shrivel to 30 percent of their normal bulb size.

Rotation Strategies

Farmers can help reduce the incidence of root know nematodes by rotating vulnerable crops with non-vulnerable or less vulnerable crops. Good alternative crops for such rotation strategies include barley, rye, tall fescue and oats.

References

• Cornell University: The Northern Root-Knot Nematode on Carrot, Lettuce, and Onion in New York
• University of Maryland: Root Knot Nematode