Root nematode
Or the gall nematode of the genus Meloidogyne is a serious pest of many houseplants, fortunately it is not often found. The worm larva invading the tissues of the roots, the release of specific enzymes causes the formation of bloating - gall. They can be both wheat and walnut in size. The nematode is small colorless worms with a filamentous body up to 1.5 mm long. The development cycle of a nematode from an egg is about 25-30 days, so the pest spreads quickly in the soil. Plants damaged by the nematode first stop growing, then turn yellow, dry out and die. Galls consist of loose tissue that is easily destroyed and entails the decay of the entire root. Even small injuries caused by the nematode on the roots contribute to the penetration of pathogenic bacteria and fungi and viruses into the tissues.
Nematode photo
Leaf nematode
The worm - the causative agent of the genus Aphelenchoides - is microscopic worms, colorless up to 1 mm long, move quickly. In places of damage to the leaf tissue, they discolor and form yellowish translucent spots. When affected by a leaf nematode, the leaf thins, becomes in places like parchment. At first glance, the damage is very similar to a bacterial disease, as dry necrotic spots of irregular shape may appear. Over time, diseased leaves brown, dry or rot. The plant dies.
Infection occurs from one plant to another. Nematode dispersal is facilitated by water, soil carried from infested areas, in which larvae can stay for many months, even at subzero temperatures.
Stem nematode
Worms of the genus Ditylenchus are small filamentous worms up to 1.7 mm long - a serious pest of flower crops. They affect not only stems, but also flowers and leaves. Nematodes adapt to parasitize certain species of plants and do not switch to representatives of another species. Most often, hyacinths, phloxes, tulips, carnations, begonias, etc. are sick.
Penetrating from the soil through the roots, stem nematode larvae invade the tissues of leaves and stems. Unlike leaf nematode, stem nematode causes tissue thickening in affected areas. Plants are distinguished by the ugly development of leaf stems and flowers. Shoots are shortened and have swellings in places. The affected parts are unnaturally pale in color, and eventually brown and die off.
Nematode control measures
Fighting an already infected plant is very difficult, sometimes impossible. There are drugs against nematodes - nematocides, this is a very toxic group of pesticides, their use is unjustified at home, they are not produced for personal farms, only for use in agriculture.
Therefore, if you have signs of a nematode, it is better to destroy the plants with the pot. But you can prevent nematode infection by sterilizing the ground before planting. To do this, steam the soil in the microwave: 1 liter of soil for about 3 minutes at a power of 900 W. You can bake in the oven - pour an even layer on a baking sheet, hold in a preheated oven for about 20 minutes. Scald pots with boiling water. Disinfect shelves, window sills, glass and equipment with hot water.
Do not throw infected plants outside or in a compost heap.
How to get rid of nematode
Severina: Signs of nematode on houseplants: vitreous discharge on leaves, turning brown, leaf fall.
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From the
- moment leaves clearly affected by the worm appear on plants, and throughout the time they will appear, such leaves should be cut off.
- Infected leaves must be destroyed immediately after cutting.
- Watering should be carried out in such a way that the root system is moistened, and not the aboveground part of the plant, because in this case there is a massive outward release of the nematode.
- Remove away from the rest of the plants.
Severina: If root and gall nematodes are found, weakly infected plants can be spilled under the root 1-2 times with the liquid preparation pirantel (1 division of beakers per 1 liter of water), which is effective against round worms. With a solution of Decaris or levamisal hydrochloride (sold in pharmacies) 1 tablet per 1-2 liters of water spill the plant. Treatment should be repeated in 2-3 weeks. In the same solution, you can hold the roots of the affected plant. But I would shed for the prevention of those who stood nearby, and the affected plant itself is out! And away and faster! It is not as funny and safe as it seems, you can infect other plants very quickly. It can also be through soil or plant care items.
Nicolas: Humus is a special medicine for most plants. Indicator of soil fertility. And its manufacturers are worms. There is a wolf orderly in the forest, and a worm in the soil. A favorite treat for the worm is the nematode (caviar). I agree that not all plants are suitable, do not rush to get rid of the earthworm.