What are the advantages and drawbacks of using nematodes for pest control in cranberry cultivation? Nematodes are sensitive to environmental conditions, such as UV and high temperatures 5; conditions that may be hard to control. Nematodes may not be compatible with some chemical pesticides used to control other pests.
Is there a downside to nematodes?
While most of the thousands of nematode species on Earth are not harmful, some cause diseases in humans and other animals or attack and feed on living plants. Luckily, there are ways to deter these pesky pests from disrupting your garden soil.
How do nematodes cause harm to plants and humans?
Root-knot nematodes (RKNs) are significant pests of sweetpotato causing symptoms of infection which include: stunted plant growth, yellowing of leaves, abnormal flower production, and gall production on roots leading to decreased nutrient and water absorption and necrosis and cracking on fleshy storage roots.
Do nematodes harm plants?
Root-knot nematodes attack the roots of plants causing distinct knots, swellings, or galls to form on the infected roots (figure 5). ... Root damage caused by nematodes can result in yellowing of leaves on infected plants. Figure 5. Root damage caused by nematodes can result in stunting of infected plants.
How do nematodes damage plants?
Many plant-parasitic nematodes feed on the roots of plants. The feeding process damages the plant's root system and reduces the plant's ability to absorb water and nutrients. Typical nematode damage symptoms are a reduction of root mass, a distortion of root structure and/or enlargement of the roots (Figure 6, 7, 8).
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