Pacific Northwest 1998 An Online Guide to Plant Disease Control

FactSheets offer superior print quality for the page you are currently viewing. Using Microsoft's Internet Explorer has given best printing results.
Glossary
Guide Home
Search

OSU Extension Office
 
Blueberry -- Nematode (Root-lesion)
 
Cause: Pratylenchus penetrans and P. crenatus. Root-lesion nematodes are migratory endoparasites (see Nematodes) with part of the population in soil and part in the roots at all times.
Symptoms: A nonspecific decline with poor growth and yellowish foliage are the most likely symptoms. Diagnosis is possible only by comparing nematode densities in root and soil samples of sick and healthy plants.
Sampling: If plants are present, always include both soil and roots in samples sent for nematode analysis. Take samples any time if the numbers are interpreted in relation to nematode population dynamics. In most crops, populations are relatively low through winter and spring but increase rapidly through summer. July and August are good times to sample for these nematodes in blueberries and in fields that will be planted to blueberries.
Cultural control:

  1. Plant in a fields with low population densities.
  2. Remove diseased plants and fumigate infested area.
Chemical control: Preplant assessment of nematode levels and fumigation is required.

  1. Basamid G. Avoid application when soil is over 90 F. Do not apply within 3 to 4 feet of growing plants or closer than the drip line of larger plants. Do not harvest within one year of application. 24-hr reentry plus ventilation.
  2. Use Telone II the fall before spring planting. Allow 2 to 3 weeks between treating and planting or wait until odor has left the soil. Do not treat extremely heavy soils. 5-day reentry. Restricted-use pesticide.
References:
Strik, B. and C. Brun. 1993. Highbush Blueberry Production. Oregon State University Publication PNW 215.
Content edited by: Jay W. Pscheidt on January 1, 2009
 
Top

In print since 1954 and on the web since 1996. Questions or comments, please contact us.