If any Meloidogyne chitwoodi are found in samples taken in Modoc and Siskiyou counties, damage can be expected and control measures are warranted. For other species there are no precise guidelines for deciding what population levels will cause significant damage. Fields infested with stubby root nematodes and tobacco rattle have been found in Monterey and Kern counties and in the Santa Maria area of Santa Barbara County. Fields with known virus infestations should not be planted to potatoes. Crop Rotation .
Crop rotation can be useful in reducing nematode populations.
At present there are no nematode resistant potato varieties available. Infested tubers left in the field after harvest can be a source of inoculum. Destroy potato plants that subsequently emerge from these tubers to restrict nematode reproduction. Avoid storage of tubers infected by M. chitwoodi as blemishes can increase during storage. Contact your farm advisor or agricultural commissioner to determine availability of a Section 18 registration.