Root-Knot Nematodes

Meloidogyne species

Root-Knot Nematodes is a genus-level root-galling nematode umbrella associated with roots and soil of vegetables, fruit, ornamentals, turf, and weeds. Galls, forked roots, root pruning, stunting, wilting, nutrient deficiency, and reduced yield occur in patches.

Identification

Females become pear-shaped within roots, while juveniles are vermiform. Root galls are suggestive but not always diagnostic because legumes and other causes can produce swellings. Collect galled feeder roots and soil from several points at the edge of affected patches. Submit for species or race identification when rotation or resistance depends on it. Photos cannot establish species.

Symptoms / Signs

Galls, forked roots, root pruning, stunting, wilting, nutrient deficiency, and reduced yield occur in patches. Link injury to a viable sample. Rule out other causes of decline.

Life Cycle / Process

Root-Knot Nematodes develops through egg, juvenile stages, and adult. For Root-Knot Nematodes, mobility and feeding are defined by its association with roots and soil of vegetables, fruit, ornamentals, turf, and weeds.

Prevention

Use clean material, contain infested roots and soil of vegetables, fruit, ornamentals, turf, and weeds, sanitize tools, and verify any claimed nonhost rotation. Primary exclusion target: roots and soil of vegetables, fruit, ornamentals, turf, and weeds.

Management / Control

Use clean plants and media, resistant cultivars matched to the species, true nonhost rotations, solarization where practical, sanitation, and crop-labeled nematicides after diagnosis. Do not transfer controls between species.

Procedure Steps

1. Collect fresh galled roots and adjacent soil from several plants at the patch margin. 2. Close the Root-Knot Nematodes incident only after follow-up sampling supports control.

Safety Notes

Use gloves and eye protection when sampling roots and soil of vegetables, fruit, ornamentals, turf, and weeds or handling treated material. Confirm the Root-Knot Nematodes label, crop, site, worker intervals, incorporation, fumigation, greenhouse use, and water protections. Keep treatment confined to the labeled use site associated with roots and soil of vegetables, fruit, ornamentals, turf, and weeds; cultures, edible mushrooms, and food-contact surfaces require explicit authorization.