Reniform Nematode Map

The reniform nematode, Rotylenchulus reniformis, can parasitize a wide range of field crops across the southern United States. This map summarizes the distribution of R. reniformis in the field crops (agronomic and vegetable crops) and excludes home gardens, high tunnels, greenhouses, and nurseries where it would be artificially protected from winter temperatures. A highlighted county indicates that the reniform nematode was confirmed in at least one field, therefore implementing a practice to manage nematodes is on a field-by-field basis. 

Of the field crops grown in the southern US, this nematode species can reproduce on cotton and soybean. Monitoring the distribution of nematode species across the United States can be helpful to identify areas where scouting and management are needed. This is especially important for the reniform nematode as yield losses can occur without obvious above-ground symptoms. Collecting soil samples is the best way to confirm if the reniform nematode is present in individual fields and the only way to determine the nematode population density.

Yield losses vary based on cultivar susceptibility, nematode population density, and soil texture. To mitigate yield losses, management tactics that reduce nematode population densities or protect the developing seedling root system are used. Crop rotation sequences with a non-host crop such as corn, grain sorghum or peanut can reduce nematode densities. Host plant resistance is available in cotton and soybean and can reduce nematode densities and increase lint/grain yield when used in fields where the nematode is present. Nematicides should be paired with host plant resistance for season long protection.