nematode

Agri View: Another Nematode

Dan Agri View

nematodeEverett Griner talks about the discovery of a new species of nematode in today’s Agri View.

Another Nematode

Every farmer knows what a root-knot nematode is. They know it is a plant pathogen that is highly reproductive, commonly found in cotton and soybeans. It also thrives in specialty crops like sugarcane and sweet potatoes. I mention these crops because they are common to Louisiana. Louisiana has discovered a new species that is especially attracted to these two crops. I can also say that officials there are up to date on research to take care of this problem.

It goes beyond Louisiana crops, however. They have been found in Florida, too. They are spread by farm equipment. This applies to all nematodes, not just the one found in Louisiana. But, Louisiana State University is way ahead in research and methods to control it.

That’s Agri View for today. I’m Everett Griner…

Image credit: (top left) Nematode Nodules/Public Domain, Link
(top right) A juvenile root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita, penetrates a tomato root. Once inside, the juvenile, which also attacks cotton roots, causes a gall to form and robs the plant of nutrients./Photo by William Wergin and Richard Sayre. Colorized by Stephen Ausmus. U.S. Department of Agricultured2549-1, CC BY 2.0, Link