Plant nematodes: what they are, what damage they cause, and how to control them sustainably

The phytoparasitic nematodes They represent one of the most underestimated threats to many agricultural crops. Invisible to the naked eye and present in the soil, these microscopic organisms can compromise root system development, reduce water and nutrient uptake, and cause significant yield losses.

Often the problem is only identified when the damage is already evident and the crop shows symptoms of widespread suffering. For this reason, it is crucial to understand the behaviour of nematodes, learn to recognise their symptoms and adopt effective preventative strategies.

Questi sono vermi microscopici che vivono nel terreno e si nutrono delle radici delle piante.

The nematodes They are microscopic organisms naturally present in the soil. Many species perform useful functions for the biological balance of the soil, while others can become particularly harmful to crops.

Plant-parasitic nematodes feed on plant roots through a specialised mouthpart that pierces plant tissues. This activity causes lesions that impair the proper functioning of the root system.

Among the most widespread and harmful species are root-knot nematodes belonging to the genus *Meloidogyne*, responsible for the formation of typical root galls.

Which crops can be affected

Nematodes can affect numerous agricultural crops, including:

• pomodoro;
• pepper;
• aubergine;
• Cucumber;
• Courgette;
• strawberry;
• faster;
• Ornamental horticulture;
• Industrial cultures.

Infestations are particularly problematic in intensely exploited soils and protected crops where pathogen pressure tends to accumulate over time.

The most common symptoms

One of the most insidious aspects of nematodes is the identification difficulties in the early stages of the infestation.

The aerial part of the plant can show symptoms that are easily confused with other agronomic problems.

Among the most frequent signals are:

• Slowed growth;
• reduced vegetative growth;
• leaf yellowing;
• wilting in the hottest hours;
• reduced production capacity;
• smaller fruit size;
• heterogeneity within the plot.

For a correct diagnosis, it is necessary to carefully observe the root system.

Root galls: the most obvious sign

In the case of gall nematodes, the roots develop swellings called galls.

These deformations compromise the plant's ability to absorb water and nutrients from the soil. Consequently, even with adequate irrigation and fertilisation, the crop may show symptoms of deficiency and stress.

Lesions caused by nematodes can also promote the entry of other fungal and bacterial pathogens, further aggravating the situation.

I nematodi causano perdite produttive perché danneggiano le piante, rendendole meno sane e più suscettibili ad altre malattie e parassiti. Questo può portare a rese ridotte, qualità inferiore e, in casi gravi, alla morte delle colture. In particolare, i nematodi possono causare una serie di problemi alle piante, tra cui: * **Danneggiamento delle radici:** I nematodi parassiti si nutrono delle radici delle piante, danneggiando il loro sistema radicale e compromettendo la loro capacità di assorbire acqua e nutrienti. * **Inibizione della crescita:** Un attacco di nematodi può rallentare o arrestare la crescita delle piante, riducendo la loro dimensione e la produzione di fiori e frutti. * **Aumento della suscettibilità a malattie e parassiti:** Le piante indebolite dagli attacchi di nematodi sono più vulnerabili ad altre malattie fungine, batteriche o virali, e ad altri insetti nocivi. * **Sintomi visibili:** I sintomi di un'infezione da nematodi possono includere ingiallimento delle foglie, appassimento, crescita stentata, galle o lesioni sulle radici. Questi danni si traducono in perdite economiche per gli agricoltori a causa della diminuzione della quantità e della qualità del raccolto.

When the Radical system it is damaged, the plant must dedicate a significant portion of its resources to survival rather than to production.

This involves:

• reduced vegetative growth;
• bloom reduction;
• Less effective binding;
• fewer fruit;
• deterioration of the final crop quality.

In more severe infestations, production losses can become particularly significant and compromise the profitability of the entire season.

The importance of prevention

The Nematode management requires a preventive and integrated approach.

The main agronomic strategies include:

• Crop rotation;
• use of healthy propagating material;
• ground monitoring;
• Improvement of the biological fertility of the soil;
• Use of beneficial microorganisms.

A biologically active and biodiverse soil can help to naturally limit the development of plant-parasitic nematodes.

The role of beneficial microorganisms in crop defence

In recent years, the’Sustainable agriculture increasing attention has been paid to the use of beneficial microorganisms as a tool for crop prevention and support.

Some microorganisms are capable of colonising the rhizosphere, improving root development and creating conditions less favourable for nematode proliferation.

This strategy allows for intervention in a way that is compatible with modern sustainability and environmental respect requirements.

Nematech: biological support for root health

To promote radical crop wellness and support nematode management strategies, we have developed Nematech.

The formulation is designed to enhance the role of beneficial microorganisms in the rhizosphere, contributing to improved soil biological balance and supporting root system development.

Incorporated into a comprehensive agronomic programme, Nematech represents an effective tool for farmers who wish to adopt a sustainable and prevention-oriented approach.

The phytoparasitic nematodes They can cause significant damage even when their presence is not immediately visible. For this reason, prevention represents the most effective weapon.

Regularly monitoring crops, assessing the state of the root system, and using strategies based on enhancing soil microbiology helps reduce the risk of infestations and preserve crop yield potential.

Investing in soil health signifies building the foundations for more resilient, sustainable, and productive agriculture in the long term.