Strawberries without nematodes

One of the worst enemies of gardeners are parasitic worms - nematodes. It is a rounded worm about 1 mm long. It attaches to the plant stem, injects a special substance that causes a chemical reaction, as a result of which plant tissues become an ideal food for the parasite.

How to detect a pest

Due to its microscopic size, it is not possible to detect the nematode with the naked eye. But if you suspect the presence of parasites, dig up the plant and carefully examine the root system. The affected roots will be littered with white cysts resembling poppy seeds.

Another way is to shred the flowers, leaves, stems and immerse them in water. After 6–12 hours, look at the solution through a magnifying glass. If there are parasites in the water, moving thread-like particles will be visible.

What is the danger

Strawberry Nematode It is dangerous primarily because it is almost impossible to notice at the initial stage of reproduction. Thus, it gradually harms the soil and plants, worsening the yield, or even leads to its complete absence. With a strong lesion in plants is observed:

• wrinkles and leaf curl;
• slow growth of leaves and stems, due to the defeat of the root system;
• yellowing leaves;
• poor flowering or lack thereof;
• violation of the natural shape of the berries.

A person may also have a number of diseases caused by nematodes. The following symptoms may indicate the defeat of the body by these parasites:

• anorexia, nausea, vomiting;
• allergic skin reactions;
• muscle pain;
• general weakness due to intoxication;
• possible mental disorders, depression.

As you can see, in addition to destroying the crop, nematodes can cause harm to humans, therefore, the fight against them is necessary.

Is it possible to secure strawberries

The fight against the nematode on strawberries is carried out by various methods, but all have a common feature - this is a protracted process.

Traditional ways of dealing:

• Planted next to the strawberry plants that repel nematodes: marigolds, marigolds, nasturtium, calendula.

• Change the place of planting strawberries every 4-5 years.
• Near the plantation, shallow trenches are dug out and covered with lime, which has a destructive effect on nematodes.
• Destruction of infected bushes.
• Fertilizer soil manure. It creates a favorable environment for the development of protozoan fungi, which are also destructive for parasites.
• Heat treatment of an infected shrub. The plant must be dug, washed the roots and immersed in water at a temperature of about 50 ºС. Stand 5 to 20 minutes.

But in most cases with a strong infection without exposure to chemicals can not do. To combat worm-like parasites emit a separate class of substances - nematocides. The most popular among them are:

• "Lindane";
• "Phosphamtide";
• Mercapthos;
• "Heterofos".

The last drug is very toxic, treatment should be carried out only in thick clothes, rubber gloves and a respirator.

Prevention: how to protect and disinfect seedlings

As a preventive measure from the stem nematode, it is advisable to follow these recommendations:

• Strawberry seedlings before planting, rinse with water. Roots process salt solution (1 tablespoon. For 1 liter of water) by soaking for 15 minutes.
• Healthy seedlings are preferably treated with a disinfectant (aqueous solution "Parationa", "Fosdrina").
• Use the seedlings that were grown in healthy soil. Burn a seedling if you find even the slightest traces of parasites.

As you have seen, a nematode on a strawberry poses a considerable danger, but the considered methods of control will help to destroy it or at least reduce the number, and visual photos will simplify the identification of the affected bushes.