Root-knot nematodes (RKN) are a devasting soilborne pest on a wide range of vegetables and fruits. They are most active in well-aerated soils and they like warm weather. Increasingly, we saw this pest in our regions. Root-knot nematode infections result in root swellings called galls, and heavily infected crops by RKN display aboveground symptoms such as stunted growth, wilting, and leaf yellowing. Read this article to learn more about RKN damage.
As part of a federally funded research project, our extension team and nematology lab at Purdue are trying to understand the extent of damage caused by root-knot nematode on vegetable crops in Indiana, as well as identify the RKN species that exist in our region. This effort will help us develop effective management approaches. If you suspect you have RKN problem on your vegetable crops, please contact Wenjing Guan (guan40@purdue.edu) or Dan Egel (egel@purdue.edu). Our phone number is (812) 886-0198. Thank you.
Root-knot nematode damage on watermelon includes the galls on the roots seen here. The vines may be stunted and the yields may be reduced. Photo: Dan Egel