If your plants look stunted and its leaves exhibit chlorosis and lack vigour, yet you’ve done everything right and you can’t figure out why, it’s time to check the roots of your plants. If the roots are knobbly and have galls, you have a case of root knot nematodes in your soil. I have experienced this on a few occasions, fortunately in my planters and not in-ground. Read on to find out how to control root knot nematodes organically.
What are they? These plant parasites are microscopic roundworms that damage plant roots and feed on its vascular system. This causes growths to form, affecting the plant’s capacity to absorb water and nutrients.
Shrubs, trees and herbaceous plants are susceptible to root knot nematodes. These include begonia, azalea, hibiscus, gloxinia, hydrangea, impatiens, cyclamen, coleus, some cacti, rose, and edible plants like tomato, capsicum, chilli, eggplant, rosella, okra, cucumber, pumpkin, melons, Malabar spinach, passionfruit, banana, pineapple, sweet potato among others.
What are your natural options? Here’s how to get rid of root knot nematodes organically, you can consider using a mix of methods to improve efficacy rates.
Finding nematodes on your beloved basket grass plant can be alarming. These tiny worm-like pests feed on roots damaging your plant and stunting its growth. However with the right approach, you can conquer nematodes and protect your basket grass. This comprehensive guide will walk you through scientifically-backed methods to eliminate nematodes for good.
What are Nematodes?
Nematodes are microscopic roundworms that inhabit soil and plant material. Over 4,000 species exist and many feed on plant roots. The most common nematode pests for basket grass are root-knot nematodes. They puncture the roots to feed, creating swollen knots or galls that disrupt nutrient and water flow.
Signs of infection include stunted growth, wilting, yellowing leaves, and poor plant health. Root-knot nematodes are most active when soil temperatures are between 70-80°F. Once introduced to your garden or containers, they can persist for years if left untreated.
Preventing Nematode Infestations
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure when it comes to nematodes. Here are some key tips to keep these pests from ever gaining a foothold:
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Solarize soil – Cover moist soil with clear plastic in summer to trap heat and kill nematodes, fungi, and weeds.
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Avoid introducing contaminated soil – Inspect roots and soil closely before bringing plants home from nurseries.
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Disinfect tools and pots – Sterilize any equipment before using in nematode-infested areas.
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Plant nematode-resistant varieties – Some plants like marigolds are unfazed by nematodes. Look for resistant basket grass cultivars.
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Rotate plantings – Avoid planting basket grass in the same spot year after year. Change up plantings to disrupt nematode life cycles.
Eliminating Existing Nematode Problems
If those little worms have already invaded your basket grass, take action with these eradication methods:
Remove and destroy infected plants
Plants showing severe nematode damage are unlikely to recover. Remove and seal infected plants in trash bags before disposal to prevent spread. Sterilize the area afterward.
Apply nematicide products
Nematicides containing ingredients like fluopyram or fosthiazate can disrupt the nematode life cycle. Use as directed on product labels.
Introduce predator nematodes
Beneficial nematodes like Steinernema feltiae prey on plant-parasitic species. Apply them to soil as directed for biological pest control.
Amend soil with compost or manure
Organic matter promotes fungi and bacteria that naturally suppress nematodes. Mix 1-3 inches into soil before planting.
Use black plastic weed barrier
Solar heating under dark plastic can kill nematodes, especially at peak summer temperatures. Leave plastic over infested areas for 1-2 months.
Flood the soil
Saturating the root zone drowns nematodes and makes it impossible for them to access roots. Allow soil to dry between floodings.
Set up nematode traps
Some plants like marigolds, chickweed, and chrysanthemums lure nematodes away from crops. Interplant them, then remove and destroy the sacrificial plants.
Caring for an Infected Basket Grass Plant
If your plant shows minor nematode damage, prompt care can help it recover:
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Immediately improve drainage and reduce watering to discourage nematodes.
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Apply a high nitrogen fertilizer to stimulate new root development.
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Remove galls and infected roots by trimming them with sterilized shears.
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Repot in fresh pasteurized soil and clean containers.
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Drench remaining roots with neem oil, which disrupts nematode egg development.
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Mix compost into soil to introduce beneficial microbes.
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Move basket grass to full sun – nematodes thrive in shade and high humidity.
With persistence and a multipronged game plan, you can break the nematode cycle. combines both prevention and treatment for maximum impact. Stay vigilant, and keep those basket grass plants thriving nematode-free all season long!
The Key Takeaways on Managing Nematodes
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Nematodes are tiny parasitic roundworms that attack plant roots. Root-knot nematodes are common basket grass pests.
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Prevent infestations by solarizing soil, planting resistant varieties, and avoiding contaminated material.
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Remove and destroy severely infected plants to prevent spreading.
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Use organic amendments, predators, flooding, and traps to reduce nematode populations.
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For mild cases, prune infected roots, repot in clean soil, apply neem oil, and improve drainage.
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Combine prevention, soil treatment, resistant plants, and proper care to effectively manage nematodes.
Beyond Basket Grass: Protecting All Your Plants from Nematodes
While we’ve focused on basket grass here, nematodes can wreak havoc on all kinds of plants. Use the concepts from this guide to keep nematodes away from your entire garden and container collection:
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Check all new plants closely for signs of infection before purchase. Reject any suspicious specimens.
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Sterilize pots, trays, tools, and gardening equipment between use on different plants.
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Remove and destroy heavily diseased plants immediately to prevent spread.
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Solarize garden beds in summer and enrich soil with organic matter like compost.
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Rotate plant families – avoid planting the same plant types in the same areas repeatedly.
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Interplant with nematode-resistant varieties like marigolds which serve as trap crops.
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Follow label instructions carefully when using biological controls or nematode-killing products.
With vigilance and a proactive pest management approach, you can defend all your plants from nematode damage. It just takes commitment to prevention and early intervention when risks arise. Here’s to many seasons of growing vibrant, thriving container and garden plants free of those nasty little nematodes!
Add compost and organic matter
Good quality aerobic compost contains plenty of microbes. These include larger, predatory micro-organisms, including beneficial nematodes that can ingest root knot nematodes. By applying it directly as a top dressing or some prefer, compost tea, these microbes are introduced into the soil. Adding organic matter such as manure and leaves also encourages fungi, bacteria and naturally occurring good nematodes to inhabit soil.
In Singapore, you can get good quality compost from Soil Social, it is more pricey than other composts on the market, however it is aerobic and contains a high amount of beneficial microbes. I tried it and have seen improvements in my plants as soon as within a month. My stunted okra grew more lush and began fruiting more regularly.
You can also consider trying out this soil drench recommended by Jerry Coleby-Williams of Gardening Australia.
This method makes it very inhospitable for root knot nematodes, however it kills many organisms in the process, including pathogens, nematodes, weeds, and seeds. Soil solarisation involves laying clear (more effective) or black plastic sheets over wet soil for 4-6 weeks, therefore trapping heat and raising soil temperature. Nematodes are mobile, so this method will reduce numbers but it may not fully eradicate the population.
Grow biofumigant crops for root knot nematode control (Photo by
Brassicas such as Brassica rapa (field mustard) and Brassica juncea (mustard greens) have bio-fumigation properties and are effective at root knot nematode control when grown as a cover crop, however there are some other plants, like Tagetes patula (French marigolds), Tagetes erecta (Mexican Marigold) and oats, which are highly capable too.
How it works is it releases compounds to suppress pests and pathogens in the soil. It is effective when in its early flowering stages, plants are chopped or pulped and incorporated into the soil and watered. The soil needs to remain moist for a few weeks, and isocyanate gases are released by the plants as it breaks down.
Not all plants are susceptible to root knot nematodes. Through rotating the types of plants grown over two years or more, specifically incorporating plants that are not host plants, you can starve these nematodes. Root knot nematode resistant plants include corn, millet, grain sorghum, asparagus, and chrysanthemum and zinnia.
How To Get Rid Of Nematodes | Eliminate Bad Nematodes and Grubs Organically!
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