Root-Knot Nematodes of Tomato
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Root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne incognita, M. hapla) aboveground symptoms include stunting, uneven growth, and nutrient deficiencies. Numerous galls form on roots, a characteristic symptom of this disease.
Root-knot nematodes.
(Photo: Victoria Bajek, University of Kentucky)
Root-knot nematode females.
(Photo: Gerald Holmes, Strawberry Center, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Bugwood.org)
Management:
- Select resistant cultivars
- Manage weeds (potential alternative hosts)
- Rotate with non-host crops
- Avoid movement of infested soil to clean fields
- Nematicides and soil fumigants are generally not recommended due to their temporary effect, cost, regulations, and limited number of licensed commercial applicators available for small growers.
