Pacific Pests, Pathogens & Weeds - Mini Fact Sheet Edition

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Root knot nematodes (127)

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Photo 1. Galls on the roots of Phaseolus bean caused by Meloidogyne species.

Photo 2. As in Photo 1, galls of Meloidogyne sp. on Phaseolus bean. Note the galls on the roots of the two plants on the left with smaller root mass compared to the healthy plant on the right.

Photo 3. Root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne sp., on ginger. Note that the damage is on the young buds, and that the decay has probably occurred in storage. A healthy rhizome is on the left.

Photo 4. Root knot nematode, Meloidogyne species) galls on parsley.

Summary

• Worldwide distribution. In tropics and sub-tropics. Several types. On many vegetables (beans (see Fact Sheet no. 127), capsicum, carrot, celery (see Fact Sheet no. 254), cucumber, eggplant, ginger, lettuce, potato, tomato and yam), fruit crops (melon, papaya, pineapple), ornamentals, and weeds. Important pests.
• Plants become yellow, stunted, and wilt. Characteristic galls on the roots (“knots”).
• Eggs laid in soil, worm-like young females enter the roots to feed and lay eggs, causing cells to swell.
• Spread occurs in soil water, on tools, footwear and machinery, and over long distances in plant roots, especially in the trade in vegetable seedlings and ornamentals.
• Cultural control: resistant varieties; pasteurised soil or use soilless mixes; crop rotation; fallow periods (4-6 months); soil solarisation (4-6 weeks); manures and composts; marigold fallows.
• Chemical control: none recommended.

Common Name

Root-knot nematodes

Scientific Name

Meloidogyne incognita and other species.

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