What are These Hidden Pests Costing Growers?

Nematodes are nonsegmented, microscopic roundworms that live in various kinds of soils across the country. Some survive by feeding on plant roots, which results in poor crop health and reduced yield. Many different species of nematodes can be present in a tomato field, and they often share the same soil space within a field.

The two most common plant-parasitic nematodes in tomatoes are root-knot nematodes and sting nematodes. Not only do these nematodes inflict direct damage on the root system, but they also act as a vector for various fungal and bacterial diseases. Total yield losses differ depending on the species of nematode and kind of disease, with root-knot nematodes often causing the most damage.

Potential Crop Loss

According to the University of Florida, the amount of crop loss can best be determined by the population density of nematodes in the soil at planting. The more nematodes present prior to planting, the higher risk there is for extensive crop loss. Any amount of nematodes can potentially result in at least minor crop loss, but a high presence of nematodes could potentially lead to complete crop loss.