SOLARIZATION:

Methods of soil solarization for nematode management are similar to those for other pests. Moist soil is covered with a transparent (i.e. clear plastic is more effective than black) tarp for 4 to 6 weeks at a hot time of the year. Temperature ranges that have proven to be effective have been in the range of 45-50C at a10 cm depth and 38-45C at a 20 cm depth.

Although some successes with nematodes have been reported (e.g. in raised beds), this method has typically proven more effective for control of weeds and fungal pathogens than for nematodes because of the depth of effectiveness of the treatment. Because nematodes are typically found at least as deep as crop roots penetrate, effectiveness is likely to be greater for shallow than for deep rooted cropping systems.

NEXT

UNIT INDEX

MAIN INDEX