Above Ground Symptoms of Root Knot Infected Plants

Root knot nematodes are microscopic, non-segmented roundworms that can cause significant damage to plants. They are found in soils worldwide and can infect a wide range of hosts, including fruits, vegetables, grasses, and ornamentals.

Symptoms

The above ground symptoms of root knot nematode infection can vary depending on the host plant and the severity of the infection. Common symptoms include:

• Unthrifty appearance: Infected plants often have an unthrifty appearance, meaning they may look weak or unhealthy.
• Stunting: Root knot nematode infection can cause stunting in plants, where they fail to grow to their normal size.
• Wilting: Severely infected plants may wilt easily, even when there is sufficient soil moisture. This is because the galled roots have limited ability to absorb and transport water and nutrients to the rest of the plant.
• Chlorosis: Chlorosis, or yellowing of the leaves, can be a symptom of root knot nematode infection. This is due to the reduced ability of the infected roots to absorb and transport nutrients from the soil.
• Reduced yields: Root knot nematode infection can lead to reduced crop yields, especially in highly sensitive crops like lettuce and carrots.
• Spotty pattern of damage: The pattern of damage in the landscape is often spotty because nematodes are rarely distributed evenly in the soil.

Management

There are a number of management strategies that can be used to control root knot nematodes, including:

• Crop rotation: Rotating crops with non-host plants can help to reduce nematode populations in the soil.
• Resistant varieties: Planting resistant varieties can help to protect plants from infection.
• Chemical control: Chemical nematicides can be used to control nematode populations in the soil.
• Biological control: Biological control agents, such as fungi and bacteria, can be used to suppress nematode populations.
• Cultural practices: Cultural practices, such as maintaining good soil moisture and fertility, can help to reduce the impact of root knot nematode infection.

Conclusion

Root knot nematodes are a serious pest of plants worldwide. They can cause significant damage to crops and ornamentals, leading to reduced yields and poor plant health. There are a number of management strategies that can be used to control root knot nematodes, but the most effective approach will vary depending on the specific situation.

References

• Root-knot nematode | Business Queensland (https://www.business.qld.gov.au/industries/farms-fishing-forestry/agriculture/biosecurity/plants/insects/horticultural/root-knot-nematode)
• Root-knot nematode | The Plant Health Instructor (https://www.apsnet.org/edcenter/disandpath/nematode/pdlessons/Pages/RootknotNematode.aspx)
• Management of Root-Knot Nematodes in Bedding Plants | NC State Extension Publications (https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/management-of-root-knot-nematodes-in-bedding-plants)

FAQs

What are the above ground symptoms of root knot nematode infection in plants?

Above ground symptoms of root knot nematode infection can include unthrifty appearance, stunting, wilting, chlorosis, reduced yields, and a spotty pattern of damage.

Why do root knot nematode infected plants wilt?

Root knot nematodes damage the roots of plants, reducing their ability to absorb and transport water and nutrients. This can lead to wilting, even when there is sufficient soil moisture.

What is chlorosis and how does it relate to root knot nematode infection?

Chlorosis is the yellowing of leaves due to a lack of chlorophyll. Root knot nematode infection can cause chlorosis by reducing the ability of the roots to absorb and transport nutrients from the soil, particularly iron.

Why do root knot nematode infected plants have reduced yields?

Root knot nematodes damage the roots of plants, reducing their ability to absorb water and nutrients. This can lead to reduced plant growth and development, resulting in lower yields.

Why is the pattern of damage caused by root knot nematodes often spotty?

Root knot nematodes are not evenly distributed in the soil. This means that some plants may be infected while others nearby are not. This can result in a spotty pattern of damage in the landscape.

How can I tell if my plant has a root knot nematode infection?

Look for the above ground symptoms of root knot nematode infection, such as stunting, wilting, chlorosis, and reduced yields. You can also check the roots of the plant for galls, which are small, swollen areas caused by the nematodes.

How can I prevent root knot nematode infection in my plants?

There are a number of things you can do to prevent root knot nematode infection in your plants, including:

• Crop rotation: Rotate crops with non-host plants to reduce nematode populations in the soil.
• Resistant varieties: Plant resistant varieties to protect your plants from infection.
• Sanitation: Remove and destroy infected plants to prevent the spread of nematodes.
• Cultural practices: Maintain good soil moisture and fertility to help your plants resist infection.

How can I treat root knot nematode infection in my plants?

There are a number of treatment options for root knot nematode infection, including:

• Chemical control: Apply chemical nematicides to the soil to kill the nematodes.
• Biological control: Use beneficial organisms, such as fungi and bacteria, to suppress nematode populations.
• Cultural practices: Improve soil health and fertility to help your plants resist infection.

By following these tips, you can help to prevent and treat root knot nematode infection in your plants.