Foliar nematode damage
Monday, 05 October 2009 07:47
Foliar nematode (Aphelenchoides species) damage-Heuchera
Foliar nematodes occur in temperate regions, have a wide host range,
and may be expected to occur in any region on susceptible plants.
Infected but asymptomatic plants are probably the main source of
infection. Adult foliar nematodes easily survive dessication in plant
tissue and may remain viable in dead leaves for up to three years. They
have a short life-cycle allowing a very rapid population increase.
Affected plants should be removed and destroyed (do not compost). Hot
water treatment at 50ยบ C for 5-10 minutes may eliminate nematodes, but
may also injure plant tissue. Weed control in greenhouse is important
as many common weeds may become infected. There are no chemicals
registered for postplant control in the United States. Note patch-like
appearance of the injury with a distinct margin as the small nematodes
cannot move through the leaf veins. Injury can be confused with insect
feeding, fungal or bacterial diseases.
