How to Spot Nematode Damage before It’s Too Late
Nematodes are known as roundworms & eelworms. They are free, leaving and feeding on microorganisms such as fungi and other pests.
Nematodes transmit helminthiasis, which is an infection by roundworms.
Nematodes are adapted to almost all types of ecosystems, such as soil ecosystems, water ecosystems, and marine ecosystems.
A Comprehensive Guide to Nematode’s Anatomy and Functionality
Nematodes are small, cylindrical worms ranging from 1 millimeter to 2.5 mm in size. They are free-living with ornamented regions on the body. They possess bristles and other distinctive features.
The Good and Bad of Nematodes in Farming
Nematodes are beneficial and detrimental to plant health; they may be predatory, or they might be pests and vectors of diseases. The predator nematodes kill pests present in the soil, for example, Phasmarhabditis hermaphrodita. They are pests that cause health issues in plants, such as rot knot nematodes, or they might be vectors of diseases that spread in plants, nematodes, or potato cysts. Nematode losses are responsible for 10 percent of losses in agriculture.
They damage plant roots, stems, and leaves. Causes stunted growth in plants. This may lead to reduced yield, early death of plants, and susceptibility to disease.
How to Use Nematodes to Fight Garden Pests Naturally
Nematodes are present in the top 15 cm of soil; they are about 90%. Nematodes feed on organic and living material present in soil. They also regulate bacterial populations by predating bacteria. About 5000 bacteria per minute are destroyed by nematodes. They are also important in the nitrogen cycle.
From Soil to Sickness: The Impact of Nematodes on Human Disease Spread
Nematodes enter our intestines and cause intestinal diseases such as hookworm diseases and gastro allergic diseases.
Control and management of nematodes
Use resistant varieties of crops against nematodes.
Use crop rotation and plant different families of crops to prevent an increase in nematode population.
We should also remove weeds from the field or garden to avoid shelter and food sources for nematodes.
Chemical control of nematodes
Spray carbamate or aldicarb to kill nematodes present in the soil.
