A recent development in the management of sugarbeet cyst nematode is the use of cover crops.
Mustard, oil raddish, and buckwheat are known hosts of sugarbeet cyst nematode. Breeders in Germany have selected certain varieties which appear to stimulate hatch of eggs and may even allow penetration of roots.
Reductions in nematode populations on the order of 50% have been reported each time the cover crops are planted. Nematodes either do not develop, or develop into males rather than females.
A number of varieties of these crops have been tested in California against several populations of sugarbeet cyst nematode and found to be relatively good hosts . They could still be useful as trap crops in nematode management in California.
Phacelia is a nonhost cover crop which has also been tested.