Some forms of nematodes are highly beneficial to tomato plants, while others can wreak total destruction on tomato plants in the garden. Tomato plant nematodes are prevalent throughout the United States, but they are most damaging to tomato plants in the Southern regions of the United States. Tomato plant nematodes may have infested your garden if you note that the tomato plants are growing poorly and experiencing yellow on leaves and stems or stunted, distorted growth patterns throughout the plant. If you happen to look at the roots of your tomato plant, you will find that they have elongated growths which look like nodules throughout the root system. These evidences of tomato plant nematodes may be the only indication that they are present as even on close examination you are unlikely to view these microscopic worms.
Tomato plant nematodes prefer sandy loam soils that have lots of moisture.
The good news is that on their own, these pests can only move a few inches each year. The bad news is that due to their micrsoscopic size, tomato plant nematodes are easily carried from their original infestation through rain, wind, soil, water or infested tools as well as transport on other items they come in contact with. Tomato plant nematodes feed on the plant roots which stunt growth and damage root systems. When the roots become damaged so that they can no longer provide sufficient nutrients for the growth of the tomato plant you will begin to see the yellowing and browning of the leaves and stem along with eventual die off of the entire tomato plant if left untreated. However, many problems of both soil and the root system can cause similar problems, so don t just assume that you have tomato plant nematode infestation.