In many instances, nematodes occur as part of a fungal or bacterial disease complex. Plants attacked by nematodes are more susceptible to other unfavorable environmental conditions such as drouth injury, winter injury or excessive moisture. Plant parasitic nematodes are microscopic in size which explains why they are often overlooked as causal agents. In addition, the above ground symptoms are typical of a large number of infectious and non-infectious root diseases. Nematodes live on the thin film of water that surrounds each soil particle and are, thus, very sensitive to dry soil conditions.
Nematodes move very slowly in the soil but are moved in running water or contaminated equipment.
If nematodes are suspected in an area, submit a soil sample to the Texas Plant Disease Diagnostic Laboratory . Control methods are the same as for root knot. Certain species are specific to individual plant hosts. Above ground symptoms are similar to many other root diseases or environmental factors limiting water and nutrient uptake. These symptoms consist of wilting during periods of moisture stress, stunted plants, chlorotic or pale green leaves, and reduced yields.