The primary tools available for nematode control are nematicides, resistant varieties, and crop rotation.
Cost precludes the use of nematicides in fields.
However, nematicides may be economical for higher-value crops grown in rotation. Neither root-knot nematode nor stem nematode can persist in the soil for long periods without a host crop. Therefore, rotation with nonhost crops can be an effective means of reducing soil populations of these pests. For a nonhost crop rotation to be effective, take care to control all volunteer plants in the rotation crop. Different root-knot species and races prefer different hosts.