The root-knot nematode has become more of a management problem. Two separate surveys indicate that more than 10% of Alabama soybean fields have a detectable level of root-knot nematodes. Successful crop rotations depend on identification of the root-knot nematode species and races present in the field. The southern cotton root-knot, peanut root-knot and soybean root-knot nematodes invest fields, and they are not crop-specific. The objectives are to collect root knot nematode samples from across the state and determine the species and races present using the traditional host differential test, morphological characterization, modified isozyme analyses of root knot nematode species and DNA analysis.

Key Benefactors:
farmers, agronomists, Extension agents