Nematodes: Root Health and Tree Longevity Threat Growers Can’t See

Nematodes, microscopic roundworms barely visible to the naked eye, pose a serious problem for walnut and almond growers. Even with proper sanitation and fumigation practices, nematodes can still become an issue after setting new trees. Nematode populations can build up in the soil, attack tree roots and impact overall tree health. Studies have shown that nematodes caused $157 billion in yield losses worldwide.¹

Even with proper sanitation and fumigation practices, nematodes can still become an issue after setting new trees.

Moreover, nematodes threaten orchard health and longevity by causing root damage, reduced water and nutrient uptake, low tree vigor, disease transmission and reduced crop yield by -345 lb./A2.

Nematode Threats to Orchard Health and Longevity

Best Practices for Treating Nematodes³

1. Sample for nematodes to determine the presence, species and number of nematodes through an experienced lab.
2. If possible, fumigate the soil prior to planting new trees. This will reduce the number of nematodes initially but will offer only a temporary solution.
3. Applications of Movento^® in established orchards resulted in a reduction of nematode populations. Movento does offer a nematode management tool that can easily be incorporated into a tree nut grower’s cultural practices.
   
   

Trial Data:

Two-year trials showed that applications of Movento^® in established orchards helped result in 85% suppression of ring nematodes and 59% suppression of root-lesion nematodes in almonds.

Ring Nematodes in Almonds

Movento Helped Suppress Ring Nematodes by 85%

Root-lesion Nematodes in Almond

Movento Helped Suppress Root-Lesion Nematodes by 59%

Movento^® insecticide is the only foliar application with downward movement within the tree to protect roots by suppressing nematodes. Include Movento as part of your pest management program to protect tree root health, improve vigor and produce high yields year after year.

» Find out what Movento can do for you.

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Sources:

¹“Nematodes: A Threat to Sustainability of Agriculture,” Satyandra Singh, Bijendra Singh and A.P. Singh.

²Average yield loss in lbs. per acre is based on California Agricultural Statistics Review, 2014–2015. California Department of Food and Agriculture.

³University of California – Cooperative Extension, Department of Agriculture and Resource Economics, UC, Davis, 2012.

⁴“The Dangers of Nematodes,” Growing Produce – 2012.