Winter Rye for Control of Nematodes

Cereal or rye grass can help control nematodes.

Root knot nematodes are microscopic roundworms that feed and breed in many fruit and vegetable plant roots. Nematodes live in soil. One way to control nematodes is to plant winter rye, also known cereal rye, in affected soil.

Warning

Symptoms of nematodes in plants are similar to some plant diseases. Send soil samples to your local extension service to confirm that plant-eating nematodes are in the soil. Otherwise, planting winter rye will be useless.

Functions

Winter rye helps control nematodes in two ways. Nematodes become trapped in the thick roots. And when rye decomposes, it releases acids into the soil that can kill nematodes.

Time Frame

Winter rye should be planted in the late fall to help control nematodes, according to Texas A & M University. By winter it can grow to 15 inches high. Cut the grass and leave the trimmings on the garden to help kill nematodes.

References

• Alabama Cooperative Extension System: Nematode Control in the Home Vegetable Garden
• Texas A & M University: Control Garden Nematodes with Cereal Rye (Elbon)
• "Peanut-Cotton-Rye Rotations and Soil Chemical Treatment for Managing Nematodes and Thrips"; A. W. Johnson, et al; "The Journal of Nematology"; 1998
• Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences: Cereal Rye for Cover Cropping in Organic Farming

Resources

• National Association of State Departments of Agriculture
• University of Maryland: Root Knot Nematode
• Univeristy of California Riverside Department of Nematology: What are Nematodes?