What Are Bean Root Nematodes?

Bean root nematodes can eat the roots of lima bean plants.

Bean root nematode is an umbrella term for several species of root knot nematodes. These are microscopic roundworms that eat the roots of food vegetable plants but tend to prefer beans. They also eat the roots of potatoes, lettuces, radishes and carrots.

Symptoms

Nematodes cause stunted plant growth and swellings called galls on the roots of vegetable plants. These galls vary from the diameter of a pinhead to 1/2 inch, according to the Alabama Cooperative Extension System.

Warning

Bean root nematode damage also looks like damage from vegetable diseases such as root rot, according to the University of California. Have the soil tested for bean root nematodes for a definitive diagnosis.

Treatment

Nematodes live in soil. Treat infected soil with a broad spectrum nematicide or nematode-killing insecticide, such as ethoprop. Every two or three years, do not plant vegetables for a season and the rest of the nematodes in the soil should die of starvation.

References

• North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services: Nema Note; Root-knot Nematodes on Vegetables
• University of California Integrated Pest Management: Dry Beans: Nematodes
• Alabama Cooperative Extension System: Root-Knot Nematode on Snap and Lima Beans

Resources

• University of Nebraska-Lincoln: Nematodes in General
• North Carolina State University: Root Rots of Green Beans and Lima Beans
• Ohio State University Extension Fact Sheet: Root Knot Nematode