Effective Strawberry Nematodes

Nematodes are miniature worms that parasitize in the root system and on the stems of various plants. In the process of nutrition, they severely damage tissues and suck out nutritious juices, giving harmful emissions in return. Nematodes are affected by strawberries, the body length of which is no more than 2 cm. Their integument is yellowish. Females belonging to this species are very prolific and can carry about 1 thousand eggs. Strawberry nematode control methods are based, first of all, on the correct agricultural technique, which is combined with the use of certain drugs.

Signs of Strawberry Nematode Infections

Diagnosis in this case is complicated by the fact that the worm is very small, and therefore it is practically impossible to detect it at an early stage. In most cases, the appearance of the bush speaks of the appearance of a nematode on a strawberry and, as can be seen in the next photo, such signs resemble a nutrient deficiency:

• plant growth and development is suspended;
• the ovaries and fruits, although formed, but their shape is violated;
• the leaves are smaller and curled, and on their upper side you can find swelling - galls;
• petioles with a large thickness are shortened.

When a small nematode sticks to the body of a plant, it damages tissues, and these areas become ideal soil for the development of fungal diseases and infections, and therefore treatment of strawberries must be started immediately - at the first symptoms of infection.

On a note! Nematodes are always present in the soil, and it is completely impossible to get rid of them. However, with a small number of parasites are not able to cause significant harm. The danger is represented by large accumulations of nematodes in one place. By the way, this explains the defeat of single strawberry bushes on the site. The so-called bald spots in the landings are created. At the same time, complete destruction is extremely rare, such a situation is possible only if there are a thousand nematodes per square meter!

Optimal conditions for the successful development of the parasite

The nematode appears on strawberries under certain conditions, when the air temperature rises to +24 ... 30 ° C and at the same time the soil acidity is from 5.5 to 5.8 pH. And the cause of the occurrence of the parasite in high concentrations is the use of infected seedlings.

Folk remedies for pest control

Choosing how to treat strawberries from a nematode, it is first of all advisable to turn your attention to gentle methods. Moreover, some of them are quite capable of reducing the number of pests to a safe amount.

• Hot water treatment. This method is used by many experienced gardeners and notes its high efficiency. We dig up the affected strawberry bushes and wash their roots from the substrate under running water.Then immerse them in a container of water, the temperature of which should be +47 ... 55 ° C. We withstand rhizomes in water for 5-20 minutes. The exposure time is determined from how badly the bushes are damaged. For example, + 40 ° C will be enough to destroy only adults, eggs die at higher rates and for a long time - at + 55 ° C for 20 minutes.
  

  Important! Do not make the water too hot, as you risk boiling the plant, and in the future it will die!

• Infusion of marigolds. Marigolds are a real poison for the strawberry nematode. The aroma of these plants is very attractive for pests, but the juice of the flower for them is fatal. To prepare the product, 5 kg of raw materials must be filled with 5 liters of water and left for 48 hours in a warm place. We filter the finished infusion and water the infected plants.
• Infusion of calendula officinalis. For half a bucket of water (5 l) add 5 tablespoons of dried raw materials and leave at least a day at room temperature. For the treatment of strawberry bushes, we use a ready-made watering agent once every seven days for a long time, to ensure prevention - a couple of times a month.
• Hogweed infusion. In order to prepare the drug a pound of raw materials must be filled with five liters of water. After a day, we infiltrate the infusion and spill the soil under the affected bushes.
  

  Important! Remember that hogweed is a poisonous plant, and therefore all manipulations with it, as well as with infusion based on it, must be carried out with gloves and to prevent the product from getting on the skin and mucous membranes!

• Onion infusion. For its preparation, a batun should be used. Raw materials in an amount of 200 g are crushed and poured with five liters of water. The infected plants are watered with a ready-made remedy every seven days.
• Infusion of Nasturtium. Pour 300 g of grass with five liters of water, insist for a day, filter and use to irrigate strawberries once a week.

Chemicals Against Nematodes

Since it is often difficult to deal with a nematode on strawberries, many gardeners turn to chemical preparations for help to achieve quick positive results. The most popular are:

• "Heterophos" - a working solution is prepared from 15 g of a substance dissolved in a bucket of water. The treatment of plantings is carried out at + 20 ° C. In the same liquid, seedlings can be soaked. Earthwork is carried out only a month and a half after the use of this tool.
  

  Important! The drug "Heterophos" is highly toxic, and therefore it is allowed to work with it only in protective equipment: gloves, tight clothing and a respirator!

• "Fosfamtid" - for processing use a 0.02% solution of the drug, conducting it every 3-5 days.
• "Mercaptophos" - used similarly to "Fosfamtid";
• "Lindane", or "Ruskamin" - is used similarly to "Fosfamtid" and "Mercaptophos".

Nematode Strawberry Treatment: Procedure

Treatment of strawberry diseases caused by a nematode is carried out according to the following scheme:

1. In the spring, we conduct an audit of the plantings, inspecting the bushes every week. In the same period, we feed, containing potassium and organic matter. Good results in this case shows wood ash.
2. Throughout the growing season we use effective microorganisms and process plantings several times with growth stimulants (Epin), the action of which is aimed at strengthening plant immunity.
3. We dig out all infected bushes and process them with hot water.
4. After picking berries, we use chemicals.
5. In the fall, we introduce phosphate-potash fertilizers into the soil.

Prevention

In order to prevent the growth of the nematode population, first of all, it is necessary to use clean and healthy planting material. Before buying seedlings should be carefully examined, paying particular attention to their root system. However, even without obvious signs of infection, it is advisable to shed the roots before planting in the soil with hot water.

Soil on the site is recommended to compost.Moreover, not only before planting seedlings, but also throughout the entire growing season. Compost contains in its composition active forms of fungi that will help destroy the nematode.

Maintain crop rotation by changing the permanent place of strawberries every 4-5 years. This measure will prevent the spread of pests in the garden.

Fragrant varieties of marigolds are very attracted to nematodes and they crawl to such landings, as if to a magnet. But since the juices of this plant are poisonous to parasites, they die after saturation. You can also plant calendula and nasturtium. Through their rhizomes, these plants secrete special substances that very successfully repel nematodes. In addition, it is recommended to arrange such herbaceous perennials along the perimeter of strawberry plantations as drummond, coreopsis, beautiful gaillardia and hairy rudbeckia.

On a note! Unwanted neighbors for strawberries are potatoes, tomatoes, celery, cabbage, carrots, peas and beans!

If the site was infected, and you have worked to destroy pests, then the next year it is advisable to plant certain types of strawberries that are resistant to diseases and pests, including the nematode. These include:

• "Granddaughter";
• "Saxon";
• "Pearl";
• "Rocket";
• "Festival";
• "Dessert".

In spring and autumn, thoroughly clean the garden of weed grass and plant debris, burning everything collected outside the site. This will destroy the individuals that settled for the winter and were able to survive it.

When laying seedlings, try not to thicken the planting. Care for them regularly, weed and thin out from time to time. Thanks to these measures, you can significantly reduce the number of nematodes. Have a good harvest!