Nematodes: prevention, management and control

Nematodes are animals that can live in different habitats and, some species, can cause damage to cultivated plants, called parasitic nematodes. These organisms can attack the root system, bulbs and tubers of crops such as sugar cane, coffee, soybeans, oranges, corn, potatoes, vegetables, among others. 

To identify areas that present problems with nematodes, it is necessary for the producer to carry out sampling with live roots, so that they can survive and multiply. Therefore, the rainy season (spring/summer) is the most suitable for sampling an area and diagnosing problems, as this is when nematode populations are at their peak.

In annual crops, sample collection should preferably be carried out during the crop's flowering period, when the roots are well developed and nematodes can be found at high levels. Although they are done during the rainy season, you should avoid doing them in waterlogged soil, as the roots can rot very quickly.

Another point that deserves to be highlighted is that the sample must be carried out in several locations, since the spatial variability of populations is high. It is recommended that the sampler collect the roots and soil around the plants and send them to the laboratory for analysis.

Regarding the management of infested areas, the most used methods in Brazil are integrated and include the use of resistant varieties, crop rotation, addition of organic matter and the use of chemical and biological nematicides.

The application of chemical nematicides has been occurring frequently in recent decades and has shown satisfactory results. These products generally keep the populations of these parasites lower in the roots of treated plants for periods that vary between two and six months, depending on the dose and the time in which they are used. Biological solutions based on various microorganisms, such as fungi and bacteria, have also been used and shown excellent results.

To assist producers, providing training and technical information on the prevention and effective control of nematodes, the FMC Agricultural Solutions is promoting a national project, called Nematode Command. In partnership with DMLab, a reference company in nematological analysis, the company set up a mobile laboratory with the necessary technologies to provide the best practices and tools for effective pest management.

The Nematoide Command is passing through the main agricultural centers producing soybeans, corn, sugar cane, cotton, beans and coffee. 10 states and more than 100 cities will be covered in approximately one year. At each stop, technical material is being made available with a booklet on the pest and its management, informative articles and videos.  

 The FMC team is enthusiastic about bringing knowledge to all regions of the country on an issue considered a major problem in several properties. In addition to offering assistance to identify problems with nematodes, efficient technologies are being offered to boost the productivity and profitability of plantations.