Types of nematodes in lawns

What are nematodes?

The nematodes are normally microscopic invertebrates which interfere in different organisms with various results, well known for their parasitic effectsAmong its more than 25,000 species there are also fungicidal or nematicidal species.

Location of nematodes Where are they found?

Nematodes are everywhere with pathogenic and symbiotic functions.

It is impossible not to find nematodes on field soils, although there would be no need to raise the alarm in almost any situation, since for lawns parasites are fewer species.

Accurate diagnosis: Key to a healthy lawn

The symptoms of lawns infected with parasitic nematodes can develop different symptoms that without laboratory analysis it is difficult to determine the cause. From stains on the lawn, thickening punctures in the roots or reduction of depth and density, chlorosis, etiolation of the blades of grass or the death of infected areas among others. In addition, parasitic nematodes weaken the plants, making them more susceptible to susceptible to the effects of fungi such as Pythium spp.

Nematodes are dormant in winter and cannot be seen in most commercial analyses, so the best way to test for nematodes is to use a time to test the field begins in spring. From the arrival of spring until autumn in areas with full growth symptoms are suitable test areas for identification.

Disease analysis to locate different types of nematodes

In disease testing it is a good idea to test with separate analyses and with many small samples of stressed and healthy areas in order to be able to compare the results. When sending the sample it should be fresh and if it can be refrigerated the better.  Tiloom has the best tests to identify diseases.

For analysis it is recommended to keep the sample fresh to avoid deterioration.

Common types of nematodes analysed in turfgrasses and mitigation strategies

String nematodes - Also called picadors are very damaging to turf as they thrive in sandy soils. Symptoms are wilting, and some stunted growth, to the point of causing entire turf losses.

Lance" nematodes - In Spain, they grow in all types of soil, with a predilection for C4 grasses. Their effect resembles that of some insects, root atrophy, yellowing and ultimately the death of the affected area.

In environments with a high concentration of nematodes, not all nematodes are mycorrhizae are valid, e.g. the mycorrhiza-forming fungus  Glomus iranicum var. tenuihypharum maintains its effectiveness even in the presence of nematodes.

Without nematode analysis it is very difficult to know the reason for the loss of vigour of an area.

Dagger nematodes - Dagger and stinging nematodes also severely impact the roots generating weak turfgrasses and prone to disease.

Ring nematodes - This type of ring nematode causes damage at sufficiently high concentrations by producing small root lesions and modifying the colour of healthy roots.

Cyst" nematodes - These nematodes parasitise turfgrasses and cause black spots and rot.

Root-knot nematodes - This type of nematode enters into the turf causing galls on the roots observable with a magnifying glass. In addition, the following can also be seen darkened roots, leaf chlorosis y loss of vigour general.

Nematodes not only act as parasites, others are used to fight other infections.

Your partner in lawn care and maintenance

If you want to know the nematode populations of your field get in touch with us and we will teach you how to carry out fast and effective analysis.