DISTRIBUTION IN ANNUAL CROPS

Annual field and vegetable crops will have concentrations of nematodes in and around the plant row because nematodes tend to congregate and reproduce in the rhizosphere to create the highest population densities. Generally, populations will be much lower between rows. In relation to vertical distribution and sampling strategy, cyst nematodes present a different problem, because eggs in a cyst can remain viable and survive in dried surface soil. Surface soil sampling of the tilled soil after cultivation can provide an accurate quantitative estimate of the cyst nematode population.

From: McKenry, M.V. and P. A. Roberts. 1985. Phytonematology Study Guide. University of California, Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Publication 4045.

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