Extension Plant Pathology at the University of Arizona


Diseases of tomato ( Lycopersicon esculetum ) in Arizona

Root-knot nematode

The  Root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita, is a serious problem on many different plants wherever soils have become infested. Plants may be come chlorotic and stunted if heavily infected and wilt easily when soil water decreases. Roots will have swellings or galls where female nematodes are established in the root (photo 1). The nematodes are active in warm weather so are not a problem in the winter. Root-knot can be controlled but not eliminated by rotating to a resistant plant or fallowing through the summer and by soil solarization using a clear plastic mulch in the summer months. 

 1 Root-knot nematode on tomato (left) compared to healthy plant (left)


Diseases of tomato | Plant Disease Identification | Extension Plant Pathology


August 3, 2011


http://cals.arizona.edu/PLP/plpext/diseases/vegetables/tomato/tomatonema.hhtm