Golden potato cyst nematode: description, control measures, photos

Potato nematodes are a common problem, and every potato grower needs to know how to combat them. Poor tuber development and short shelf life are often attributed to poor soil and harsh weather conditions. However, nematodes, a pest that frequently attacks vegetables, are worth considering. A pest that ruins the harvest can become a huge problem. Ignoring an infestation makes it difficult to control.

This parasite is tiny, making it difficult to spot with the naked eye. However, despite its small size, the nematode spreads quickly, creating an army of pests that harm not only potato tubers but also other crops. Potato nematodes also cause significant damage to garden plots. Farmers frequently encounter this pest and make every effort to eradicate it as soon as symptoms appear.

The golden potato cyst nematode is more common. These small worms require potato juice to survive. They cause a bacterial brown rot. In terms of pest danger, they are particularly dangerous to nightshade crops.

Potato nematodes can reach a millimeter in size. Microscopic images of the pest have been posted online. The images show that males and females have different shapes: the former are worm-like, while the latter are round.

Causes and symptoms of pest appearance

Many people notice nematodes when digging up a faded potato plant. The tubers will have small spots, indicating the presence of the parasite. During development, the worm goes through several stages, changing color from white to brown. Brown nematodes indicate that they are well-developed and have already produced offspring, acquiring a new form.

Nematodes reproduce more quickly in sandy loam soil with high moisture levels, but other soil types are also suitable. The worst part is that it's virtually impossible to determine whether the soil is infested with the pest in the early stages. Gardeners usually only discover infestation at an advanced stage.

1. Potato nematode causes slow growth of the bushes, their yellowing and massive wilting.
2. The leaves on the lower parts of the plant begin to curl and look extremely sickly. Potato nematode can also manifest itself with other symptoms; photos of each are available online.
3. Often bushes in contaminated soil produce few tubers, from three to five.
4. Deviations are noticeable in the root system; with a large number of adventitious roots, the roots turn brown.

Methods of nematode control

A single infected bush signals the time to begin the war on the pest. Nematode control methods vary.

1. Experienced gardeners know how dangerous worms are, so they prevent their development and spread by rotating crops. This simple method has proven effective.
2. Potato nematodes can also be treated mechanically. Infected plants are removed and destroyed outside the plot.
3. You can't knock the lump of earth off the bush, as it contains cysts.
4. Infected plants must be destroyed using fire.
5. The area where the infected bush grew must be treated with urea.
6. Control with aggressive chemicals is also considered an effective option. Potato nematodes can be barely noticeable, as some photos show, but more often than not, they are invisible to the naked eye.

Anti-nematode drugs

The golden potato cyst nematode, as you can see in photos online, looks like a worm. In fact, it is a worm, which can be effectively controlled using various pesticides. Potato cyst nematodes respond to various control methods, but chemical ones are readily available to gardeners.

1. Fitoverm can affect the potato golden nematode through both contact and ingestion. Fitoverm's effect is rapid. As soon as the parasite comes into contact with the product or consumes treated potato plants, the substance attacks the insect, causing paralysis and death. Fioverm is effective when applied in dry or hot weather.
2. Phosphamide is a toxic substance that can help kill the nematode before harvest. Potatoes are harvested 20 days after treatment. The golden potato nematode completely disappears, and the tubers will be healthy, as evidenced by photos of gardeners who have used this treatment.
3. Potato stem nematode can also be controlled with a product like BAK Ecogel. This product strengthens the plant's defenses against various pests and diseases. This product is often applied to tubers before planting, resulting in vigorous plant growth and healthy fruit.
4. Nematophagin Bk is another toxic product. Many gardeners and homestead owners prefer this product because it can be used not only on potatoes, but also on ornamental plants and strawberries.

Types of golden nematodes

There are several subspecies of golden nematode. Many are familiar with the potato stem nematode, which most often attacks early potatoes. The variety will suffer from lesions on the leaves and stems, which later spread to the tubers. Potato plants may be less luxuriant with shortened internodes. Leaves affected by the parasite become pale and wavy.

Potato nematodes can also be soil-borne, and control methods vary. Treatment should be immediate. Cysts that live in contaminated soil can continue to develop for up to 10 years. The presence of nematodes in the soil is indicated by unnatural bumps that are unusual for the variety.

Root-knot nematodes primarily affect the root system, secreting toxic substances. They cause the formation of various growths on the root system, which harbor the parasite larvae. Root-knot nematodes are the most likely to cause yield loss, as they disrupt the plant's nutritional status, blocking the roots' ability to absorb nutrients and water from the soil. Potato root-knot nematode disease also manifests itself externally. The above-ground portion of the plant rapidly wilts and dies completely.

Reviews

Maria:

"I've been growing potatoes for a long time. The golden potato cyst nematode requires immediate action, a quick response, and control. I've often seen potato growers ignore the problem or fail to distinguish between the parasite and adverse weather conditions. In such cases, I always advise beginners to pre-treat the tubers with specialized preparations and not forget about growth stimulants."

Anna:

"The fight against potato nematodes is always challenging. I've only encountered this parasite once in my life, but that was enough to realize how quickly it can destroy a crop and ruin all the work done in the garden. Now, when I plant potatoes, I buy Fitoverm just in case, so I'm prepared for a possible attack."

Michael:

"I heard about this pest from a neighbor who used to farm small-scale and knows effective methods of nematode control. I try to rotate crops in my plot as a preventative measure. So far, there haven't been any problems."

Konstantin:

"I always treated my strawberries before planting, used only high-quality fertilizer, and cared for them meticulously, but I couldn't avoid nematode infestations. I had to ask friends for advice, and they told me about a product called Fosfamide. It helped immediately, but some bushes had to be removed from the plot. They were beyond saving. In the future, I'll be aware of the characteristics of these parasites. Before, I couldn't imagine how they could develop and destroy the root system and plants so quickly."