Plant Pathology Infobytes

March 13, 1996
New Approach To Root-knot Nematode Control

Root-knot nematodes can really create a headache for home vegetable gardeners. What these pesky creatures lack in size (they're too small to be seen with the unaided eye), they make up for in numbers. It's not uncommon for several thousand of these tiny worms to attack the root system of a susceptible garden plant.

For those nematode "hot spot" areas of your garden try planting a vegetable variety which has resistance to root-knot nematodes. "Better Boy" and "Celebrity" varieties of tomatoes are a good choice and are resistant not only to nematodes but Fusarium wilt as well. Check the Garden Tabloid (available at the County Extension Office) for a listing of other types of root-knot resistant vegetable varieties.

What about nematode control options other than the use of resistant varieties? Gardeners who are interested in trying something new, might want to consider Clandosan 618. Clandosan 618 is a product made from ground crab and shrimp shells recovered as by-products of sea food processing. The ground shells, along with agricultural grade urea, are formed into granular pellets and contain no artificial or synthetic substances, or any product derived from petrochemical sources.

How does Clandosan control nematodes? Prior to planting the garden, the product is tilled into nematode-infested soils to a depth of about six inches. The Clandosan then acts as a growth stimulus for the multiplication of normal soil microorganisms, such as actinomy- cetes, bacteria, and fungi.

After a week or so of feeding on the Clandosan, the "good guy" microorganisms reach high population levels in the soil and need a new sources of food. The new food supply turns out to be root-knot and other damaging types of nematodes, and within two to four weeks after application, Clandosan should have reduced the root-knot nematode population to a non-damaging levels.

For more information about this Clandosan 618, check with your garden supply dealer, or visit your County Extension Office.


Written by the late Dr. Frank Killebrew

A black line that separates the body text from footer information