- Scientific Name
- Meloidogyne sp.
- Background
- Soybeans in Pasquotank County, variety Pioneer 48A05E, were scouted and observed to have roughly 15% of plants affected by dieback, yellowing, stem rot, and root rot in localized patches. Initially, the problem appeared limited to small areas of stunted and dying plants, but conditions have progressively worsened following recent rainfall. There are now whole sections of rows that are dead, followed immediately by healthy rows, creating a repeating pattern across 6–8 rows. A sample was submitted to the PDIC for diagnosis.
- Conclusion
- Root knot nematodes were identified as part of the issue. High population levels of root knot nematodes present symptoms of non-uniform stunting, wilting, and chlorotic patches, as well as an increased likelihood of disease complex with other soilborne pathogens, as well as a hindrance to water and nutrient uptake.