I am general inform on these tiny worm-like organisms. A more detailed description of the genera of
nematodes that attack
plants is provided as well as various methods to diagnose, discourage and treat against plant parasitic
nematodes in a least toxic, sustainable manner. If all the matter in the universe except the nematodes were swept away, our world would still be dimly recognizable, and if, as disembodied spirits, we could investigate it, we should find its mountains, hills, vales, rivers, lakes and oceans represented by a thin film of nematodes.
Nematodes are tiny, worm-like, multicellular animals adapted to living in water. The number of nematode species is estimated at half a million, many of which are "free-living" types found in the oceans, in freshwater habitats, and in soils. Parasitic species form a smaller group. Nematodes are common in soils all over the world .
Each combination of nematode and host is different. When nematode population density reaches a certain level, host crop yields will suffer. Some hosts support faster population increases than others. Environmental conditions can also affect the relative dangers posed by nematode populations . As we begin to develop a better understanding of the complex ecologies of soils and agricultural ecosystems, more
strategies for cultural and biological control of nematodes will be developed. The trick will be fine-tuning these general strategies to the unique ecology, equipment, and financial situation of each farm.