Nematode Knowledge

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Nematodes in Turfgrass

A hidden threat

Many types of plant parasitic nematodes can threaten turf quality by feeding on plant roots. Turfgrass roots with nematode damage are less capable of absorbing water and nutrients from the soil, and require more frequent watering and are more susceptible to disease. As a result of nematode damage, turf may become chlorotic, wilt, thin out and die. Learn proper nematode sampling methods and find a local lab to test them.

Importance of Proper Nematode Sampling

Courses across the country are susceptible to nematodes, regardless of their soil type, and their turf may have suffered root damage because of nematode feeding. It is important for every course to properly scout for nematodes by taking soil samples and having them analyzed by a local lab or extension service.

Find a nematode sampling lab near you

Download the Soil Sampling Guide

Watch this video on how to collect nematode samples.

Did You Know?

There are 40 species of nematodes known to feed on turfgrass roots. TWEET THIS
Nematodes occur in every soil type, but are most prevalent in sandy soils. TWEET THIS
Nematode damage is often mistaken for other issues such as drought, disease and nutrient deficiencies. TWEET THIS
Differences in feeding habits and mobility among nematode species can impact nematode counts and nematicide efficacy. TWEET THIS
Anguina pacificae is the only Anguina species that forms galls on the crowns of infected plants. TWEET THIS
The only way to accurately diagnose nematode damage is through a soil sample analysis. TWEET THIS

Download the Divanem information sheet

Divanem^® is a broad spectrum nematicide for season-long control of nematodes. For a comprehensive control program, Heritage^® Action™ fungicide is recommended for protection against the stress nematodes cause roots.

Nematode Control

Divanem nematicide delivers excellent turf quality and broad-spectrum control of plant parasitic nematodes. The innovative formulation targets nematodes where they are most active to defend roots from the most troublesome nematode species, including spiral, lance, root-knot and sting. Divanem can help significantly improve root system quality and mass for stronger turf that maintains the highest quality above- and below- ground for quicker recovery from stress, including drought and aerification. Divanem also provides broadcast and spot treatment application rates that can be integrated into a range of agronomic programs on all turf species.

Using Divanem within a Nematicide Program

Similar to a fungicide program, rotating Divanem with other nematicides with different modes of action will provide the most ideal results, as well as manage nematodes unable to be controlled by other nematicides.

Nematode and Disease Control

Nematodes weaken turf root systems, decreasing the plant's ability to defend against biotic and abiotic stressors like heat, drought and disease. Combining Divanem with Heritage Action fungicide can help manage nematodes, diseases and abiotic stressors and prevent the onset of resistance. Heritage Action delivers hybrid technology that couples the proven disease control of Heritage fungicide with a boost of acibenzolar-S-methyl (ASM) for enhanced biotic and abiotic stress management.

Help improve root quality with Divanem + Heritage Action

The disease-fighting effects of azoxystrobin combined with the plant performance benefits of ASM in Heritage Action helps:

Protect plant roots against diseases that can easily effect areas where nematodes have fed
Improve the plant's natural defenses against abiotic stress like heat and drought
Enhance turf quality of both warm and cool-season grasses for consistent playing conditions
Increase drought tolerance through increased root function, more efficient transpiration and improved soil water retention
Improve control of more than 20 diseases including anthracnose, patch disease, gray leaf spot and bacterial wilt suppression

To help control nematodes and diseases using a season-long agronomic program, visit our complimentary agronomic programs tool.

Customer Stories

"The greens are the best I've seen them since I've been here. Right now the proof is out there. It's pretty good. The roots on the course’s greens are deeper than ever and the turf is denser than in years past. The addition of Divanem has been a part of that change."

-Jason Morris, Orange County National; Winter Garden, Florida

Concern about nematodes is increasing among golf course superintendents nationwide. Read "Nematodes - How Do I Know If I Have a Problem?" by Dr. Billy Crow to learn more.

WEBINAR: Diagnosing and Managing Nematodes; Dr. Lane Tredway, technical manager, Syngenta

GCSAA Education Points: 0.1

News

04/28/2021

How to scout for turf nematodes

Often, nematodes are overlooked pests in turfgrass. The above-ground symptoms that result from their feeding are extremely variable, including lack of wear tolerance, slow recovery from aerification, heat and drought stress, nutrient deficiency and increased susceptibility to disease. Read more »

02/22/2021

Divanem Spot Treatment Provides Enhanced Turf Quality

Spring is an important time to protect turfgrass roots from nematode feeding. If nematodes are left uncontrolled, they can severely hamper new root growth, slow spring green-up and send turf into the summer in a weakened state. Read more »

06/22/2018

Divanem nematicide is now registered for use in New York

Golf course superintendents in New York can now manage lance, root knot and sting nematodes through the proven control of Divanem^® nematicide from Syngenta. Read more »

11/13/2017

Golfdom showcases agronomic planning with Hole of the Month series

Syngenta has partnered with Golfdom magazine to showcase the impressive work superintendents do to keep their courses in top playing condition. Each Hole of the Month article highlights how the superintendent overcame challenges on their particular course, and features an image of one of the holes on their course. Read more »

© Syngenta. Important: Always read and follow label instructions. Some products may not be registered for sale or use in all states or counties and/or may have state-specific use requirements. Please check with your local extension service to ensure registration and proper use. Divanem is a Restricted Use Pesticide. Divanem^®, GreenCast^®, Heritage^®, Heritage^® Action^™ and the Syngenta logo are trademarks of a Syngenta Group Company. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Nematodes in Turfgrass