Most gardeners are familiar with problems caused by diseases and insects because such problems are easily recognized. Few gardeners, however, are aware of the damage nematodes can cause.
Nematodes are microscopic (less than 1 mm long), wormlike animals too small to be seen with the unaided eye. The majority of plant parasitic-nematodes live in the soil and damage plants by feeding in large numbers on the roots, impairing the plant’s ability to take up water and nutrients.
Severe root damage caused by nematodes typically results in aboveground symptoms that may include stunting, yellowing of leaves , loss of plant vigor and/or an overall general decline in plant performance.
A few recommended vegetable varieties that are resistant to root-knot nematodes are listed below. These varieties have been bred to have some resistance to root knot nematode damage. They may make it through the season in nematode infested soil with little to no damage. Or the damage might take much longer than other varieties to appear.
