Nematodes are small wormlike organisms that lives in the soil. Some groups help with nutrient cycling. Others help with organic material breakdown. We want to concentrate on the parasitic types as there are quit a number that damage roots in different ways. Below are 4 groups of plant parasitic nematodes.
- Lesion nematodes which damage the side of the root through with diseases can enter.
- Root knot nematodes which enter the root and kills off the growing point.
- Stubby root nematodes which actually cut the hair root off.
- Cyst nematodes.
The following ways help with nematode control:
- Microbial diversity
- Cover crops
- Crop rotation
- Nematode resistant varieties
- Lifting the soil organic matter content
- Biofumigant crops
