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Root Knot Nematodes

5 posts
  1. Christopher Sorrell
    Christopher Sorrell avatar
    0 posts
    6/22/2016 5:06 AM
    I just got a diagnosis of high levels of root knot nematodes on Champion Bermuda greens (212/100cc soil, threshold 40/100 cc soil). I need advice from you all about the best management practices for growing with these pests. I am also interested in any feed back on the current nematicide options on the market and any other tricks that might be out there.



  2. David Stout
    David Stout avatar
    0 posts
    6/22/2016 3:06 PM
    Where are you located? The thresholds I've seen vary. The one you listed seems a little lower than what I've seen used as an indicator of serious damage. There are a few products out there that many have used with varying success. Avid and Nortica come to mind. There is a "new" product that is supposed to be labeled this summer and released shortly thereafter from Bayer. It will be called Idemnify. Research has shown it to have good activity on Root Knot. Nimitz from Quali-Pro has shown promise, but research has shown it isn't as consistent on rootknot as the others.

    We typically manage through with minimal issues on the surface. Frequent foliar feedings (low rates) can help get you through periods of stress or times where granular fertility isn't cutting it. I would also advise looking at your disease pressures as there seems to be a high correlation with nematode damage and other root pathogens.

    Also, try to run counts in the spring and fall depending on your location. Here in the heat of the summer counts will be lowered as they move deeper in the soil profile. Also, keep in mind the counts can vary quite a bit depending on if you hit a pocket of high or low concentration. For example, I took two counts from one green following protocol and the numbers were way off from each other. Nematodes aren't typically evenly distributed evenly throughout a green. Good luck!



  3. Christopher Sorrell
    Christopher Sorrell avatar
    0 posts
    6/23/2016 6:06 AM
    I am in Oklahoma City. The threshold that was provide came from Oklahoma State University. We certainly have some noticeable effect on the three obvciusly effected greens. Chlorosis and brown weak roots are obvious. I regards to disease, my original thought was that we were dealing with a pathogen as the course has had no history of nematode issues. A diagnostic sample was submitted and before the results returned I hit the greens with an application of Hertiage expecting Bermuda grass decline. The tests came back clean for pathogens but elevated for nematodes.



  4. David Stout
    David Stout avatar
    0 posts
    6/23/2016 9:06 AM
    See if your Bayer rep can get you some samples of Indemnify if they're available. That is certainly more damage than I would want. If it's only 3 greens, maybe an Avid app would help. Is curfew available in your location?



  5. Ryan Sears
    Ryan Sears avatar
    1 posts
    7/4/2016 12:07 PM
    Chris,
    talk to your Redox rep about their "NatureCure". Guys around here are knocking them out with a couple 2-3 apps and its inexpensive! I can give you more detail via email.



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