Nematode-caused Diseases On Woody Ornamentals
Gary W. Moorman, Professor of Plant Pathology
Nematodes are soil-dwelling non-segmented roundworms, usually less than 0.5 mm (0.02 in.) long. Those that feed on plants have a hollow spear-like mouth part (stylet) that is pushed into the plant cell. The worm forces enzymes through the hollow stylet into the cell where cell components are digested and then drawn back into the nematode's digestive system through the stylet.
The life histories and longevity of plant parasitic nematodes vary greatly from species to species. While some live inside host tissue and produce two or more generations per year, some others live outside the plant feeding on outer cell layers and others may have only one generation per year. Certain species lay hundreds of eggs in a season while others lay very few.
Nematodes belonging to the genera Meloidogyne (root knot), Criconemella (ring), Pratylenchus (lesion), Tylenchorhynchus (stunt), Paratrichodorus (stubby-root), Rotylenchus (reniform), and Xiphinema (dagger) can cause damage on woody ornamentals. Often more than one species is found associated with a plant's roots. The effects of mixed populations of nematode species on woody ornamentals are largely unknown.
FIRST DETERMINE IF THE PROBLEM IS DUE TO NEMATODE ACTIVITY. Many factors unrelated to nematode feeding can cause symptoms similar to nematode feeding.
Symptoms
- Plant decline occurs over several seasons.
- Chlorosis similar to iron deficiency
- Foliage bronzing (characteristic of boxwood).
- Foliage may die and fall.
- Branch dieback
- Root systems are small with necrotic or galled areas.
- Plants stunted.
In nurseries, plants with some of the above symptoms characteristically occur in scattered clumps. Nematodes may already be present in the nursery soil and be spread by tilling, soil movement, and run-off. Nematodes can be brought into a previously uninfested nursery on rooted plants.
Management In Nursery
Field
Fumigate planting area with a material listed below before planting. Plant nematode-free material.
Containers
Use sterile potting mix. Avoid contaminating potting mix with untreated soil. Plant nematode-free material.
Management In Home Or Commercial Plantings
- Plant nematode-free material.
- Areas known to be infested can be fumigated before planting.
- Post-plant chemical treatments by homeowners are not recommended. Remove severely affected plants. Plants not severely affected should be watered, fertilized and protected from other stresses.
Nematode eggs.
Nematode stylet mouth part.
The following information is from R. K. Jones, D. M. Benson, and K. R. Barker. 1982. Nematodes and their control in woody ornamentals in the landscape. Plant Path. Info. Note #63. Dept. of Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh.
HS = Plants highly susceptible; S = Plants susceptible (some stunting but plants will grow satisfactorily); T = Plants will grow satisfactorily; ? = Have not been tested
| Host Plant | Nematode Reaction | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Root Knot | Stunt | Lesion | Ring | |
| Azalea | T | S | ? | T |
| Aucuba japonica | HS | S | ? | T |
| Buxus microphylla (Japan. Boxwood) | HS | T | ? | ? |
| Buxus sempervirens (Am. Boxwood) | ? | T | ? | ? |
| Buxus sermpervirens (Eng. Boxwood) | ? | ? | HS | ? |
| Camellia Japonica | T | T | ? | ? |
| Camellia sasanqua | T | T | ? | ? |
| Gardenia jasminoides | S | T | T | T |
| Gardenia radicans | HS | T | T | T |
| Ilex cornuta (Chinese holly) | ||||
| cv. Burfordi | T | T | ? | T |
| cv. Rotunda | S | S | ? | S |
| Ilex crenata (Japanese holly) | ||||
| cv. Compacta | HS | T | T | S |
| cv. Convexa | HS | T | ? | S |
| cv. Helleri | HS | S | ? | S |
| cv. Rotundifolia | HS | S | ? | S |
| Ilex vomitoria nana (Yaupon holly) | T | T | ? | T |
| Juniper sp. | ||||
| cv. Blue Rug | T | T | HS | T |
| cv. Shore juniiper | T | T | ? | T |
| cv. Spiney Greek | T | T | S | T |
| Ligustrum (Privet) | T | T | ? | T |
| Nandina domestica | T | T | T | T |
| Photinia fraseri (Red tip) | T | T | ? | T |
| Rose | S | S | S | T |
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