Media release no.
Surveys of growers in the State's southern grainbelt have revealed widespread infestations of root lesion nematodes, microscopic worms that severely impact on broadacre crops. Agriculture Western Australia researchers and private agronomists canvassed 35 growers from mainly the Esperance and Jerramungup areas to share their knowledge and perception of the root lesion nematode problem. Research officer Shashi Sharma said plant parasitic nematodes penetrated the roots of growing crops and stole nutrients vital for plant growth. Nine out of ten growers believed that nematodes were affecting crops in their shires and nearly all of them suspect root lesion nematode infestations in their paddocks. Stunting and patches of poor growth have been observed as most common symptoms.