Burrowing nematodes (Radopholus similis) is a species of nematodes, a parasite of plants and a pest of many agricultural crops. The burrowing nematode is a migratory endoparasite of roots and an especially important pest of bananas and citrus yet can also be found on coconut, avocado, coffee, sugarcane, ginger and ornamentals.
Damage
Burrowing nematodes cause lesions that form cankers causing malnutrition in infected plants, stunting the growth of the root system, making it weak and necrotic. Severe infestations can cause tree toppling due to the reduced and damage root system which is no longer able to anchor the plant to the ground. Other plants, damage may appear as leaf yellowing symptoms together with root necrosis and canopy dieback.
There are specific suitable solutions and integrated pest management strategies for combating different species of nematodes.
For more information contact your local BioBee field agent.