How to Treat Fig Tree Nematodes

Nematodes or roundworms consist of 19,000 species in the phylum Nemeta. Root knot nematodes, citrus nematode and root lesion nematodes are the most common pests that can be found feeding on a fig tree's root system and living within the soil. Nematodes can be hard to control, because they spread from plant to plant by gardeners using tools with the remnants of infected soils on healthy plants.

Things You'll Need

• Tarp
• Bricks
• Plastic bags
• Peat moss
• Compost
• Manure

Instructions

1. Inspect the roots of your small fig tree for root knot nematodes. Lift the tree out of the soil and wash off the roots. Look for swellings or galls along the roots. Nematodes life and eat within these swellings. Swellings can get as large as 1-inch.

2. Check out the leaves of your fig tree. Nematode infestation signs include wilted yellow leaves, slow growing and small fruit harvests.

3. Collect a small soil sample for sending to a laboratory for positive identification. Make sure that the soil is moist and stored in a plastic bag. Dry samples can not be tested by labs. Keep the sample in the refrigerator until you mail or drop of the specimens. Slow growth and small fig tree harvests can be caused by a number of problems; therefore, its important to find the specific cause of the problem.

4. Water the soil around your fig tree. Place a tarp on top of the soil and place a brick to secure the covering. Keep the tarp on for four to six weeks during the summer. Nematodes die off when soil temperatures exceed 125 degrees F.

5. Add soil amendments like peat moss, compost or manure. Some soil amendments can release toxins that kill off nematodes, but they also increase the moisture in the soil. By increasing the soil's moisture content, you can decrease the damage caused to the fig's root system. Keep the tree well watered to further prevent nematode injury.

Tips & Warnings

• Purchase a fig tree that has a root stock resistant to nematodes. The LSU purple fig tree is resistant to root knot nematodes.

• Avoid spraying with an insecticide. Currently there are no insecticides on the market that can kill nematodes.

References

• Nematode Management
• Managing Nematodes for Non-Commercial Vegetable Gardens

Resources

• Plant Parasitic Nematodes