{"id":5301,"date":"2026-09-11T09:30:04","date_gmt":"2026-09-11T07:30:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.msbiotech.net\/?p=5301"},"modified":"2026-08-20T15:35:14","modified_gmt":"2026-08-20T13:35:14","slug":"plant-nematodes-what-they-are-how-to-recognise-them-and-how-to-protect-crops","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.msbiotech.net\/en\/nematodi-delle-piante-cosa-sono-come-riconoscerli-e-come-proteggere-le-colture\/","title":{"rendered":"Plant nematodes: what they are, how to recognise them and how to protect crops"},"content":{"rendered":"

Plant nematodes represent a particularly insidious problem for numerous agricultural crops. They live in the soil, are microscopic in size and, in plant-parasitic species, can directly attack the root system, compromising the plant's ability to properly absorb water and nutrients.<\/p>\n

One of the most complex aspects is diagnosis itself: the first visible symptoms on the aerial parts can often be confused with nutritional deficiencies, water stress or other agronomic issues. In the meantime, the root system may already be severely compromised.<\/p>\n

For this reason, in the management of nematodes we consider it essential to adopt a preventive approach and intervene on the biological balance of the rhizosphere. At MS Biotech we have developed Nematech<\/a>, a microbiological solution designed to help crops overcome root system stress even in the presence of root-knot nematodes.<\/p>\n

What are nematodes?<\/h2>\n

Nematodes are microscopic worm-like organisms belonging to the phylum Nematoda. They are extremely widespread in nature and can live in the soil, in water, and inside other organisms.<\/p>\n

It is important to clarify that not all nematodes are harmful to plants. Many species are a natural part of the soil ecosystem and take part in the biological processes that occur in the rhizosphere.<\/p>\n

The agricultural problem mainly concerns plant-parasitic nematodes, which are capable of feeding on plant tissues and, in particular, the root system.<\/p>\n

Among those of greatest agronomic interest are nematodes belonging to genera such as Meloidogyne spp., Heterodera spp. and Tylenchulus semipenetrans.<\/p>\n

Plant nematodes: what happens to the roots?<\/h2>\n

The root system represents the main point of contact between the plant and the soil. When it is damaged, the entire physiological balance of the crop can be affected.<\/p>\n

Some plant-parasitic nematodes penetrate or feed on root tissues, interfering with normal root functioning. Root-knot nematodes belonging to the genus Meloidogyne, for example, can cause the formation of characteristic root galls.<\/p>\n

A compromised root becomes less efficient at absorbing water and nutrients. The consequence can be a plant that shows growth difficulties even when irrigation and fertilisation appear adequate.<\/p>\n

How to recognise the presence of nematodes in the soil<\/h2>\n

Symptoms on the aerial parts are not always specific. Precisely for this reason, an infestation may initially be underestimated.<\/p>\n

Among the signs that may suggest the presence of nematodes are:<\/p>\n