Root Knot Nematodes in Florida Soil - Meloidogyne Incognita

Nematodes are a parasitic round worm that are found in almost all habitats but are mostly overlooked because they are microscopic.  They can be commonly found in marine, freshwater, and soil habitats.

In our local soil habitat, we have Root Knot Nematodes - Meloidogyne Incognita, and their damage can be seen in the roots of plants that are affected.  As the name describes, the roots develop bulbous knots that are created by the Nematodes.  We see less damage from Nematodes during the cooler months, they are not active when the soil temperatures drop below 60 F.  Root Knot Nematodes are far more active in warmer soil...upwards of 85 F.  It is possible to "cook" the nematodes out of the soil by heating the soil beyond 140 F using an oven or by covering the soil with black plastic and allowing the sun to cook it.

For soil that is amended, one remedy for Root Knot Nematodes is Neem Seed Meal.  Neem and Neem oil are common and well known when it comes to fighting garden pests above ground.  Using it to fight Nematodes below the ground has been a game changer for us.  We use other natural ingredients like Dungeness Crab Meal to help with soil quality as well, but Neem Seed Meal works very well as a natural soil enhancer and Root Knot Nematode Repeller.