Pacific Northwest 1998 An Online Guide to Plant Disease Control

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Blueberry -- Nematode (Dagger)
 
Cause: Xiphinema americanum and related species. The vector for Tobacco ringspot virus and Tomato ringspot virus. Dagger nematodes are migratory ectoparasites (see Nematodes) and found only in soil. As virus vectors, they can be damaging at very low population levels. Dagger nematode populations may be very low in late summer when other nematodes are abundant.
Symptoms: Dagger nematodes cause little direct root damage to plants. It is the viruses they transmit that cause significant damage.
Sampling: December through March is the best time to sample for dagger nematodes in established blueberry fields. If planting new fields, take samples during this period to increase the probability of detecting any dagger nematodes present.
Cultural control:

  1. Locate plantings on soil that has been tested and found free of dagger nematodes.
  2. Control weeds to eliminate virus hosts.
  3. Plant virus-tested (and found to be free of all known viruses) certified stock.
Chemical control: Fumigate soil with Telone II the fall before spring planting. Allow 2 to 3 weeks between treating and planting, or until odor has left the soil. Do not treat extremely heavy soils. 5-day reentry. Restricted-use pesticide.
Content edited by: Jay W. Pscheidt on January 1, 2009
 
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