Root knot nematodes or eel worms are those hidden annoyances that you dont really know that youve got them until its too late. Root knot nematodes are a microscopic parasite that sucks the life out of your plants. If a plant collapses for no reason (looks like it needs watering but doesnt), looks droopy but bounces back in the evening, is generally failing to thrive and you get these little nodules on the roots it’s probably likely you have an infestation of them. Be aware that some nitrogen fixing nodules on beans and peas look very similar.
Recently I noticed some swiss chard struggling to take off. I thought perhaps I wasnt watering enough or I had planted too close. I decided to relocate a couple and thats when I found the problem.
Armenian grape hyacinths are beautiful spring flowers that add pops of color to gardens. However, these delicate blooms can be susceptible to nematode infestations that stunt growth and damage plant health. Nematodes are tiny worm-like pests that live in soil and feed on plant roots. Here are some effective ways to identify, prevent, and get rid of nematodes on Armenian grape hyacinths.
Identifying Nematode Damage
The presence of nematodes can be detected through visible symptoms on grape hyacinth plants
- Stunted or reduced growth
- Yellowing or wilting leaves
- Poor flowering and lack of vitality
- Damaged or rotten roots and bulbs
Confirm nematode infestation by taking soil samples and sending them to a lab for microscopic analysis. Root knot nematodes are common culprits known for attacking grape hyacinth roots.
Cultural Practices to Prevent Nematodes
Implementing good cultural practices can help reduce nematode populations and prevent damage:
- Crop rotation – Avoid planting grape hyacinths in the same spot year after year. Rotate plantings to disrupt nematode life cycles.
- Solarization – Solarizing soil by covering it with clear plastic in summer raises temperatures to levels that kill nematodes and other pests.
- Organic mulching – A 2-3 inch layer of compost, leaves, straw or other organic matter improves soil health and reduces nematode numbers.
- Proper watering – Prevent overwatering and saturated soil conditions favorable to nematodes.
Biological Control Methods
Introducing beneficial nematode predators provides biological control of pests
- Nematophagous fungi like Paecilomyces lilacinus that parasitize and feed on nematodes.
- Beneficial nematodes like Steinernema feltiae that seek out and kill pest nematodes.
Chemical Treatment Options
If cultural and biological methods are insufficient, limited chemical control may be warranted:
- Nematicides – Pesticides specifically targeting nematodes. Use with caution according to label directions.
- Soil drenches – Applying nematicides as drenches around grape hyacinth bulbs targets pests in the root zone area.
An Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Approach
The most effective nematode control combines various techniques into an IPM plan:
- Monitoring plants frequently for signs of infestation.
- Preventive measures like solarization and crop rotation.
- Biological control with predatory fungi/nematodes.
- Judicious use of nematicides only if needed.
The goal is to maximize control while minimizing environmental impact. Persistence and vigilance are key to getting rid of nematodes for good. Immediately treat any detected infestations before they can spread. With a thoughtful IPM strategy, your Armenian grape hyacinths can thrive nematode-free for seasons to come!
What plants are affected by root knot nematode
Most common plants we see affected by these guys:
- Tomatoes
- Swiss Chard
- Beetroot
- Carrots
- Cucumbers
- Zucchini
- Capsicums
- Squash
- Pumpkins
- Tromboncino
Often with root crops you wont notice them until harvest time, where you get these ugly bumpy looking root veggies.
Add beneficial microbes and Mycorrhizae
Having too many of one thing, in this case a root knot nematode infestation, means the good guys in your soil are out of whack. We add Mycogold to our beds that have issues and water it in with worm casting tea and sea weed solution. We continue to do this until things kick back into gear. Making sure your soil is healthy in the long run is going to help.
How to Sustainably Manage Parasitic Nematodes in the Garden
FAQ
How do I get rid of nematodes?
How to get rid of starch grape hyacinth?
How do you manage grape hyacinths?
How long does it take to get rid of grape hyacinth?
Complete elimination may take years. The first step to get rid of grape hyacinth is to remove seed scapes after the flower petals have fallen. Although it takes at least four years for the little seedlings to form flowers, the seeds will eventually restart the hyacinth take over.
How do you kill grape hyacinths?
You can also use a propane weed torch and burn off the greens. This method will require several years for complete success but eventually the plants will die. Removing grape hyacinths manually is a bit of a chore but works better than herbicide use.
How do you get rid of Grape Hyacinth Bulbs?
If there’s a lot of resistance it’s best to stop and loosen the soil a bit more before continuing. They key to eradicating a yard infested by grape hyacinth bulbs is persistence. Chances are you wont be able to remove all the bulbs on the first go around. The teeny cormels break off easily from the mother plant and can be lost in the soil.
Is grape hyacinth a weed?
You buy a dozen grape hyacinth bulbs and within a few years you have literally hundreds of tiny, purple clustered flowers. The simple truth is that a weed is defined as any plant growing where it shouldn’t be. Grass becomes a weed when it creeps in to our flower beds, just like sunflowers become weeds when they start popping up in the tomato row.