TGS AntiNem – Anti-nematodic

• Nematodes are a relatively abundant population of soil biota. All nematodes are very small, only 1-2 mm, so they are almost invisible to the naked human eye. There are many species of nematodes (estimated at about 1 million), and it is difficult to distinguish and identify them. To date, 28,000 species have been described, of which as many as 16,000 are parasitic. Thus, these parasitic nematode species reduce the yield (and the quality of it) by 12 %. Some nematodes dwell on the roots of plants, some nearby, in the soil. Their level of damage depends on various factors, including nematode concentration and plant sensitivity. Plants damaged or weakened by nematodes are also more susceptible to diseases, grow worse, turn yellow, become deformed. Properly selected plants of the cover/catch crop can "cure" fields infested by nematodes.
• Due to the large number of species of nematodes, they affect a wide variety of plants: peas, onions, carrots, parsnips, spring wheat, potatoes, sugar beets, beets, rape, maize, etc.
• Certain developed varieties of fodder radish or white mustard may significantly reduce the number of nematodes. Their roots release chemicals – certain pheromones – that lure nematode larvae from cysts to their roots. And there, because of the specification of nutrition of the larvae, the larvae either no longer develop and die, or they develop only males, which cannot continue to form nematode cysts, thus diminishing their population. The resistance of such plant varieties is measured by the reduction of nematodes: varieties type I reduce up to 90 % of nematodes, varieties type II reduce nematodes up to 85 (70-90) %.
• After the reduction of nematodes by cover/catch crops and then again growing nematode-sensitive crops, the anti-nematodic cover/catch crops should be sown again in 3-4 years.
• When sowing this mixture in green fallow (for extended positive action period), at the time when about 75 % of the plants are flowering, the cover/catch plants can be cut at a height of about 25-30 cm, expecting for regrowth (nitrogen fertilization (50 kg/ha) may be required for better regrowth).
• Nematodes are more harmful on light soils and are generally not problematic on heavier soils. Nematodes cause more damage in crop rotation when growing root vegetables, beets, potatoes, especially on light soils.