Nematodes are one of the main invisible threats to crops, causing root damage and affecting growth and production.
In this Artal, article, we’ll explain in detail what these nematodes are, why they pose a threat to agricultural productivity, and how to identify their symptoms early.
We’ll also show you how Nemartal, our specialized product, helps protect crops and controls soil-borne nematodes. Read on!.
What are nematodes?
First, let’s clarify what nematodes are in plants.
These are microscopic organisms that live in the soil and can be harmful to crops.
Plant parasites, such as Meloidogyne spp. and Pratylenchus spp., attack plant roots, interfering with the absorption of water and nutrients.
This causes a general weakening of the crop, reducing its growth, yield, and quality.
As just mentioned, these parasites penetrate root tissues, causing visible damage such as galls, necrosis, and root rot.
In addition, affected plants display symptoms such as chlorosis, wilting, and reduced vegetative development, as we will detail in the following sections.
Their spread through soil, work tools, or irrigation water makes them difficult to control, so it is essential to implement integrated management strategies to reduce their impact and protect crop productivity.
Why they are a threat to crops
As we mentioned, plant-parasitic nematodes pose a serious threat to crops because they directly affect root health, preventing proper water and nutrient absorption.
This causes a progressive weakening of plants, making them more vulnerable to other stress factors such as drought, disease, or nutritional deficiencies.
Furthermore, their action not only reduces growth and production but can also compromise crop quality, affecting farmers’ profitability.
Another key problem is their ability to spread and persist in the soil, as they can survive for long periods even without the presence of host plants.
Some nematodes also facilitate the entry of pathogens by creating wounds in the roots, further exacerbating the damage.
Due to their difficulty in detecting them in the early stages of infestation, their control requires preventive strategies and specific products that minimize their impact on agricultural production, such as Nemartal.
Symptoms of nematode infestation in plants
As previously mentioned, in this section we will discuss the symptoms of nematodes in plants in depth:
- Deformed or nodular roots. Many nematodes cause the formation of galls or nodules on the roots, which interfere with the absorption of water and nutrients.
- Reduced growth. Affected plants often show slower development and are smaller in size compared to healthy plants due to this poor absorption of nutrients.
- ChlorosisThe lack of these essential nutrients, caused by root damage, manifests itself as yellow or weakened leaves.
- Wilting and water stress. Despite adequate irrigation, plants may show symptoms of dehydration, as damaged roots are unable to absorb water properly.
- Decreased yield. Crops infested with nematodes often produce smaller, deformed, or fewer fruits, which negatively impacts the harvest.
- Increased susceptibility to disease. Wounds caused by nematodes in the roots facilitate the entry of fungi and bacteria, increasing the risk of other secondary infections.
Nemartal as an effective solution against nematodes
NEMARTAL is one of Artal’s physiological inducers. It is a root strengthener that improves the root’s ability to resist the presence of nematodes.
Its unique formulation, based on microelements, organic compounds, and brassinolide precursors, acts directly on meristematic tissues, promoting a more robust and functional root system.
By stimulating root growth and regeneration, NEMARTAL allows plants to maintain efficient absorption of water and nutrients, reducing the negative impact of nematodes on their development.
But how can nematodes be eliminated from the soil with NEMARTAL? Unlike some other nematode treatments in agriculture, NEMARTAL does not eliminate nematodes, but rather strengthens the root structure to minimize the damage they can cause.
Its application improves the plant’s endogenous resistance to stress factors, promotes the growth of new tissues, and contributes to higher crop yields.
This translates into healthier plants, more stable production, and a better ability to recover from adverse conditions, thus promoting more efficient and sustainable agriculture.
As we have explained, at Artal, we offer innovative solutions to strengthen and protect crops, such as NEMARTAL and other physiological inducers.
We also have a wide range of products designed to optimize agricultural performance, including immunological activators and nutritional solutions that contribute to healthy plant development.
If you have any questions about our products, please contact us and we will answer them.