Root Knot Nematode Disease A Stunted Plant Growth Cause

A root knot nematode infestation is probably one of the least talked about but very damaging pests in the gardening landscape. These microscopic worms can move into your soil and attack your plants, leaving them with stunted plant growth and eventual death.

What causes root knot nematode?
What are the diseases caused by nematodes in plants?
How nematodes affect the growth and development of crops?
What plants are resistant to root knot nematodes?
How do you get rid of root knot nematode?
How do you control root knot nematode?
How do nematodes cause harm to plants and humans?
Can Nematodes live in humans?
Can plant nematodes infect humans?
How do nematodes cause harm to plants and animals?
How can nematodes be controlled?
Are nematode worms dangerous?

What causes root knot nematode?

Root-knot nematodes are associated mainly with light soils but most damage is caused under glass, particularly in hot conditions where certain tropical and subtropical species, e.g. the Javanese root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne javanica), have become established.

What are the diseases caused by nematodes in plants?

Some of the most damaging nematodes are: Root knot (Meloidogyne spp.); Cyst (Heterodera and Globodera spp.); Root lesion (Pratylenchus spp.); Spiral (Helicotylenchus spp.); Burrowing (Radopholus similis); Bulb and stem (Ditylenchus dipsaci); Reniform (Rotylenchulus reniformis); Dagger (Xiphinema spp.); Bud and leaf ( ...

How nematodes affect the growth and development of crops?

Many plant-parasitic nematodes feed on the roots of plants. The feeding process damages the plant's root system and reduces the plant's ability to absorb water and nutrients. Typical nematode damage symptoms are a reduction of root mass, a distortion of root structure and/or enlargement of the roots (Figure 6, 7, 8).

What plants are resistant to root knot nematodes?

Use of Resistant Varieties

Nematodes are unable to feed on a resistant variety, resulting in a population decline over time due to starvation (as long as weed hosts of the nematodes are also eliminated). Asparagus, onion, and strawberry are resistant to most root-knot nematode populations in Alabama.

How do you get rid of root knot nematode?

Till infested soil a few times during the winter months to expose nematodes and remaining plant roots to the cold weather. Freezing temperatures and dry, cold wind help kill surviving nematodes. Don't bring nematode-infested plants into your garden. Look at the roots of tomato and pepper plants before planting them.

How do you control root knot nematode?

Cultural methods may minimize root-knot nematode damage. Practices such as removing the roots of each crop as soon as harvest is completed, followed by tilling the soil two to three times is very effective in reducing nematode levels.

How do nematodes cause harm to plants and humans?

Root-knot nematodes (RKNs) are significant pests of sweetpotato causing symptoms of infection which include: stunted plant growth, yellowing of leaves, abnormal flower production, and gall production on roots leading to decreased nutrient and water absorption and necrosis and cracking on fleshy storage roots.

Can Nematodes live in humans?

These six nematode species are all highly specific to humans, with no animal reservoirs of infection for any species. Although some animal species, such as pigs, can become infected with the human GI nematodes, the life-cycle cannot reach completion in these foreign hosts.

Can plant nematodes infect humans?

Humans can also be invaded by nematodes. The good news is that these are much smaller than Placentonema! The bad news is that these invaders can cause serious diseases. The nematode Wuchereria bancrofti for example affects over 100 million people throughout tropical parts of the world.

How do nematodes cause harm to plants and animals?

Animal parasitic nematodes include disease-causing worms of humans and animals parasitizing both invertebrates and vertebrates, including domestic animals and fish, reducing their health and leading to economic losses.

How can nematodes be controlled?

Nematodes usually are introduced into new areas with infested soil or plants. Prevent nematodes from entering your garden by using only nematode-free plants purchased from reliable nurseries. To prevent the spread of nematodes, avoid moving plants and soil from infested parts of the garden.

Are nematode worms dangerous?

While most of the thousands of nematode species on Earth are not harmful, some cause diseases in humans and other animals or attack and feed on living plants. ... Luckily, there are ways to deter these pesky pests from disrupting your garden soil.