Root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) are minute, worm-like animals which are very common in garden soils. It is only when they peak in numbers that they become an issue in the garden. They have a wide host range of plants, causing problems in many annual and perennial varieties.
Symptoms: Plant appear stunted and lack vigor in the garden. Once removed plant roots appear to have galled and knotted due to the pest.
Control: In the past toxic chemicals have been used in its control killing both the nematodes and any other soil microorganisms. Now with some basic management techniques you should be able to bring populations down in your garden. Organic (plant oil based) soil treatments for curl grubs have had reported positive effect on pest numbers, but are as yet is not a registered control.
Management:
Crop rotation is the key in vegetable and annual beds. Planting successive crops of prone plants only boosts numbers of this pest in the soil.
Any diseased material should be removed from the beds and bagged in plastic bags to leave in the sun, thus killing the pest.
Avoid turning damaged root materials into the soil or adding to the compost which increases their spread.
Look at planting a green manure crops such as mustard that act as a bio-fumigant that will help rid them from your soil.
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