Counter is registered for suppression of the sugar beet nematode and is useful for low to moderate nematode populations. Soil fumigants such as Telone II must be applied in either the fall or pre-plant during the early spring. Effectiveness of fumigants depends on the depth of application, soil temperature and moisture, soil type, compaction and organic matter content. Telone II can be applied by chisel or moldboard plow. It is extremely important to seal the soil surface with presswheels following chisels or a harrow following moldboard plow application.
Fumigants usually are more expensive than granular materials.
Label directions for use of all nematicides must be strictly adhered to for maximum efficacy and operator safety. Roots of the trap crop mimic those of a host crop by producing root exudates that stimulate eggs to hatch and attract juveniles to the roots. After penetration, however, juveniles fail to develop into adults and reproduction does not occur. Trap crops, when used in conjunction with the rotation of a non-host crop, should further lower the soil population of H. schachtii and reduce the need for, or the amount of nematicide required, in the following sugar beet crop. Tests are being conducted in western Nebraska on planting dates and effects on nematode population levels.