Lesion nematodes burrow into strawberry roots and lay eggs in small 

 "nests" in the cortex. Since these nematodes are threadlike and only 1/50 

 of an inch long, they cannot be seen with the naked eye. Reddish lesions 

 develop where penetration occurs and the entire plant becomes stunted. The 

 plant is opened up to secondary invaion by fungi and several investigators 

 feel that nematodes may be involved in black root rot. 



Stunt nematodes have been shown to cause injury to plants such as 

 tobacco and azaleas, but little Is known of their effect on strawberries. 

 These nematodes are found in the soil and feed on the surface of the root 

 without entering. 



Control of nematode injury revolves around a good preventative program. 

 Use of clean planting stock and preplant soil fumigation prevent a build-up 

 of these animals. If numbers are held down, injury is usually slight. A fall 

 treatment with a soil fumigant such as EDB or D-D will not only kill most of 

 the nematodes present, but will give the added bonus of kill of many soil 

 fungi, bacteria and insects. 



Much interest has been expressed recently in DBCP (sold as Nemagon by 

 Shell or Fvmiazone by Dow). This material is a fumigant which can be used 

 safely on strawberry plants, and a waiting period after soil treatment is 

 not necessary. An additional advantage of this material is that in granular 

 form it can be applied with ordinary side-dressing equipment, either mixed 

 with fertilizer or alone. 



Demonstration plots have been applied at several locations in the valley 

 to determine how well DBCP will work under local conditions. These results 

 will be reported soon. 



Richard A. Rohde 



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