Nematodes are a serious problem for Missouri cotton growers.
The biggest threat is from root-knot nematodes. In 1995, surveys reported medium population densities of root-knot nematodes in Pemiscot, Dunklin, and New Madrid counties. All populations, except root-knot nematodes, were below threshold levels. The best time to take nematode soil samples is in the latter part of the growing season. Technology is readily available to effectively reduce nematode populations below damaging levels.