University of Georgia
Soil Testing for Nematodes
Nematodes
are small, eel-like worms that live in the soil and feed on the roots
of plants. In the process of feeding, they cause the roots to become
knotted and galled. Not only do they impair the root system so that
water and nutrients cannot be taken up, they also cause injury which
may enhance soil-borne disease development. Nematode damaged plants
become stunted, turn yellow and wilt in hot weather.
The best time to determine if you have a nematode problem is in the summer and fall, when nematodes are most numerous. Roots may be dug from the soil and examined for the presence of root-knot galls. The numbers and kinds of nematodes in the soil may be determined by taking a soil sample to the Fayette County Extension office to be sent to the Nematode Assay Laboratory at the University of Georgia in Athens. Results in most cases will return in approximately two weeks along with applicable recommendations for any problems discovered.
Bring your soil sample to the Fayette County Extension Office located in the Fayette County Administrative Complex
Extension Service
Administrative Complex - Suite 209
140 Stonewall Avenue,West
Fayetteville, Georgia 30214
770.460.5730 - Extension 5412
E-mail :extension@admin.co.fayette.ga.us
Directions to Extension Service
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Resources on Soil Testing
Nematode Control in the Vegetable Garden