Pests - Clover Root Nematodes

 

 

Clover root nematodes are present throughout New Zealand and are regarded as one of the most economically damaging pasture pests in the New Zealand pastoral sector.

 

Clover root nematodes are soil inhibiting micro-organisms which attack plant root systems. Nematode populations peak in spring and autumn coinciding with the planting of new pasture. Clover seedlings are most at risk from clover root nematode attack during early plant development. The invasion of young root systems and subsequent feeding reduces root mass and therefore restricts the ability of the young clover plant to take up water and nutrients. Root nodulation and nitrogen fixation is also limited. The end result is a poorly developed or dead clover plant, which reduces both the animal production and nitrogen producing capabilities of a new pasture.

 

Prevention and Control

• Superstrike Clover seed treatment
• Newer cultivars with greater tolerance
• Continuous cultivation over a number of years