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Berry nematodes

Feeding by Dagger or Root Lesion Nematodes may stunt growth of young blueberry plants. Look for small black lesions or galls on feeder roots. Nematode damage to established plants is more likely to occur from transmission of blueberry viruses than direct feeding. Because most soil nematodes are microscopic in size, special laboratory procedures are needed to confirm their presence in soil and/or roots.

Four excised, cleaned roots against white background. Roots have small black lesions and appear stubby and malformed.
Dagger nematode damage on roots.
Aerial view of field with berry planting. Berry bushes are patchy, with large swaths of bare field and patches of green bushes with irregular borders. Bordering fields are entirely green with no patches.
Berry planting succumbing to root lesion nematode infection. Note the healthy neighboring plantings.
Three raspberry plants trained along a wire trellis. Rightmost plant is tall and bushy. Middle plant is half the size of the plant on the right, narrower and shorter. Plant on left is larger than central plant but smaller than rightmost plant.
Raspberry planting under attack by root lesion nematodes. Central plant is most affected.

More information on nematode testing, biology and management.

Nematode Testing:

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