Kiwi Pest Control

Identification

• Root nematodes or root-knot nematodes are the most abundant microscopic, multi-cellular wormlike creatures on earth, according to the University of Arizona Extension. The pests develop from eggs to adults in less than a month and infest the roots of plants.

Damage

• Root nematode presence can be detected by the appearance of swollen roots. The soil-borne pests feed on roots and cause stunted plant growth and poor fruit production. Root nematodes are most active in warm, moist soil. The pests can linger in soil for extended periods of time.

Management

• Inspect the roots of plants prior to planting. According to the University of Arizona Extension, if you start plants from seed, it minimizes chances of infection. Soil solarization is the best non-chemical means of killing nematodes. Essentially, you cover the soil with a plastic tarp for four to six weeks, and the heat kills any pests in the soil.