Common crops affected
What is it?
Lesion nematodes are migratory endoparasites — they move in and out of roots as they feed, destroying root cells along the way. The wounds they create are gateways for fungi and bacteria, so damage is often a nematode-plus-rot complex.
How to identify it
- Dark, elongated root lesions; reduced fine roots
- Patchy decline and stunting
- No galls (distinguishes from root-knot) — confirm by assay
Life cycle & spread
All mobile stages can infect; they migrate through soil and roots, reproduce within the season, and survive in roots and debris between crops. Multiple generations occur in warm conditions.
Conditions that favour it
Continuous susceptible cropping, orchard replant sites, and warm soils favour build-up; cool-season species damage cereals.
Damage and how it spreads
Reduces root mass and function and opens roots to rot pathogens, cutting yield and causing orchard replant failure. The combined nematode-plus-rot effect can be severe.
Monitoring & scouting
Soil/root assays in problem areas; check fine roots for lesions; flag orchard replant sites for at-plant treatment.
How to control it
- Treat at planting, rotate where possible, manage the secondary-rot complex with sanitation and soil health, and support vigorous root regrowth.
Recommended Vegalab solution: Nematode Control
Vegalab Nematode Control — Root-zone Nematode Control on the label interval; sustained programs and sanitation matter because lesion nematodes move in and out of roots.
Results you can mention: identified among the harmful species suppressed under Nematode Control programs in grape trials.
| Role | Product | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Primary control | Nematode Control | |
| Also apply | Root Boost |
Preventing it next season
Rotation, clean planting sites, at-plant treatment (especially orchard replant), and root-zone health support.
Claims and product availability vary by jurisdiction. Always read and follow the product label.