How to Manage Pests
UC Pest Management Guidelines
Pistachio
Nematodes
Scientific names:
Pin nematode: Paratylenchus hamatus
Root lesion nematode: Pratylenchus neglectus
Dagger nematode: Xiphinema americanum
Root knot nematode : Meloidogyne spp.
(Reviewed 2/07,
updated 2/07)
In this Guideline:
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DESCRIPTION OF THE PESTS
Nematodes are microscopic, unsegmented, roundworms that live in
diverse habitats. Plant parasitic nematodes feed on plant roots by piercing and
sucking the cell contents with a spearlike mouthpart called a stylet. They
usually live in soil and plant tissues.
DAMAGE
The nematodes listed above have been found in pistachio orchards in
California but have not been associated with damage to this crop.
SYMPTOMS
Tree symptoms may suggest but are never sufficient to diagnose a
nematode problem. To adequately diagnose a nematode problem, soil and root
samples must be examined by a diagnostic laboratory to determine if nematodes
are present.
FIELD EVALUATION
Although nematodes have not previously been found to cause problems
on pistachios in California, if the cause for a problem cannot be found, soil
samples could be taken to determine if nematodes are present in high numbers.
Contact your farm advisor for more details about sampling, to help you find a
laboratory for extracting and identifying nematodes, and for help in
interpreting sample results.
MANAGEMENT
No management practices are recommended because nematodes are not
currently recognized as causing problems on pistachios in California. Pistachia
vera rootstock is known to be susceptible
to root knot nematode, whereas P. atlantica, P. terrebinthus and P. integerrima currently appear to be resistant or poor hosts for
root knot and lesion nematodes.
![[UC Peer Reviewed]](/IMAGES/logo-ucpeerreviewed.jpg)
UC IPM Pest Management Guidelines: Pistachio
UC ANR Publication 3461
Nematodes
B. B. Westerdahl, Nematology, UC Davis
Acknowledgment for contributions to Nematodes:
U. C. Kodira, Plant Pathology, UC Davis
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