Identification and effective control of root knot nematode disease in vegetables
2025-10-11 00:18:14
In recent years, the prevalence of vegetable root-knot nematode disease has been increasing across various regions, with melons, tomatoes, and celery being particularly affected. Infected plants often reach 30% to 60%, leading to a significant reduction in yield by 20% to 40%. The occurrence pattern of this disease tends to be more severe in autumn compared to spring, and within greenhouse environments, it is more common than in open fields. Due to the tiny size of the nematodes and their underground activity, they are often mistaken for nutrient deficiencies. This disease continues to spread, and it's essential that farmers and agricultural professionals pay close attention to its impact.
Symptom Recognition
When seedlings are infected, small, millet-like nodules appear on the roots initially. As the infection progresses, these nodules increase in number and size, causing the plants to grow slowly, appear weak, and show yellowing. In mature plants, the above-ground parts may become stunted, yellow, wilted, or prematurely withered, resembling symptoms of water stress or blight. The fruits tend to be small, deformed, and less productive. In mild cases, there may be no visible symptoms above ground, but the underground roots will show tumors of varying sizes. In cucumbers, some roots might not form visible tumors, but they can still be infected and rot. Therefore, if such symptoms appear in the upper parts of the plant, it's important to consider the possibility of root-knot nematode damage. At this stage, it's recommended to dig up the roots and inspect them to confirm the presence of the disease.
Prevention Techniques
First, ensure clean seedlings are used. Avoid planting in areas previously affected by root-knot nematodes. Use well-structured potting soil made from fertile Daejeon soil to grow strong, healthy seedlings, and strictly prohibit planting any diseased seedlings.
High-temperature solar disinfection is an effective method after the current crop is harvested. Instead of immediately removing the plastic film, clear the field, apply 100–150 kg of quicklime per 667 m², then deeply till the soil, remove the roots, burn them, and cover the area. Seal the greenhouse for 10–15 days, allowing the soil temperature under the film to reach 50°C–60°C. This process effectively kills nematode eggs and larvae, as well as other soil pests.
Strengthening cultivation practices is also crucial. Apply compost as base fertilizer, as chicken manure has some resistance against nematodes. Ensure good water and nutrient conditions to improve plant resilience. Regular weeding helps reduce nematode populations, and removing plant residues after harvest is essential to eliminate the disease source.
Chemical Control
Before planting, apply "Net Line" at a rate of 3–5 kg per 667 m², mixing it evenly into the top 20 cm of soil. Apply the line to stand and stop A+ line and stop B. The specific application method involves using the same amount of line stop A as the "Net" product. Then, spray line stop B diluted 300 times onto the ground and incorporate it into the soil. If the disease occurs, use a mixture of phoxim and bacteria line net: phoxim at 1,000 times dilution and bacteria line at 3,500–7,000 times dilution. Mix thoroughly and apply 0.2–0.25 kg per pot. This approach helps manage the disease effectively when detected early.
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