Nematodes & Vegetable Damage

Microscopic nematodes attack vegetable plants at the roots.

Nematodes are microscopic round worms that live in the soil and attack plant roots. As these organisms make their home in and feed off of plants roots, they interrupt the plant's ability to get water and nutrients from the soil.

Above-Ground Symptoms

When nematodes attack a plant's roots, stunted growth, yellow leaves and few or malformed vegetables and fruits are common consequences. These symptoms may be mistaken for inadequate watering and poor nutrition.

Below-Ground Symptoms

Nematodes injure plants by feeding on root cells. Beneath the ground, swollen areas on the roots called knots or galls and shallow root systems are evidence of nematode activity.

Spread

Nematodes are spread by transferring infested soil on gardening equipment and through cultivation. Shoes, boots, shovels, hoes and wheelbarrow tires can carry nematode infested soil to a non-infested area. One tablespoon of soil can house thousands of juvenile nematodes.

References

• ACES: Nematode COntrol in the Home Vegetable Garden
• University of Missouri: Managing Nematodes in Gardens
• Clemson University: Root Knot Nematodes in the Vegetable Garden
• University of California: Nematode Management Guide