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How to Treat Fig Tree Nematodes
Overview
Nematodes are microscopic soil-inhabiting roundworms that attack root systems. These pests feed on the roots, causing them to gall or swell, which interferes with the normal uptake of nutrients and water. Root knot nematodes, root lesion nematodes and citrus nematodes are the most common fig tree pests. Nematodes often are hard to control because they easily spread via running water and gardening tools.

Step 1
Inspect your fig tree's roots for nematodes. Dig into the soil and uncover the roots. Check the roots for galls or swelling that look similar to air bubbles. Nematodes live and feed within these galls, which can grow as big as 1 inch in diameter.

Step 2
Examine your fig tree's leaves and fruit for symptoms of nematodes. Above-ground signs of a nematode infestation include wilting foliage, yellowing leaves, smaller fruits and fewer leaves.

Step 3
Collect a soil sample for testing. Take a small soil sample from around the roots of the affected fig tree. Lightly moisten the soil and place it in a clean plastic bag or plastic container. Labs are not able to test dry soil samples. Refrigerate the soil sample until you take it by your local garden center or university for positive nematode identification.

Step 4
Complete soil solarization around your fig tree. Break up any dirt clods and remove all rocks and sticks. Moisten the soil and cover it with a plastic tarp. Secure the edges with bricks or rocks. Leave the tarp in place for four to six weeks during the summer. Nematodes and their eggs die when the soil temperatures get higher than 125 degrees Fahrenheit. This soil solarization process temporarily reduces the nematode populations in the top 12 inches of upper soil.

Step 5
Add amendments to the soil around your fig tree. Compost, peat and manure help to control nematode populations by increasing the nutrient- and water-holding capacity of the soil. Healthier trees have a reduced risk of nematode infestation. Some soil amendments also release toxins that can kill nematodes.

Tips and Warnings

Nematodes can spread by gardening tools, so be sure to clean your equipment thoroughly after each use.
Things You'll Need

Shovel
Plastic bag or container
Plastic tarp
Bricks
Compost
Peat
Manure
References

University of California's Integrated Pest Managment Program: Nematodes
Natural Sustainable Agriculture: Solarization Process
Who Can Help

University of Florida IFAS Extension: Managing Nematodes for the Non-Commercial Vegetable Garden
University of Florida's Featured Creatures: Nematodes
Keywords: how to treat fig tree nematodes, how to control fig tree nematodes, how to treat nematodes in fig trees


About this Author
Cat Carson has been a writer, editor and researcher for the past decade. She has professional experience in a variety of media, including the Internet, newspapers, newsletters and magazines. Her work has appeared on websites like eHow.com and GardenGuides.com, among others. Carson holds a master’s degrees in writing and cultural anthropology, and is currently working on her doctoral degree in psychology.


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Hasil (Bahasa Indonesia) 1:

Toggle navigasiTaman GuidesToggle CariCara mengobati nematoda pohon araIkhtisarNematoda yang mikroskopis menghuni tanah cacing yang menyerang sistem akar. Hama ini memakan akar, menyebabkan mereka empedu atau membengkak, yang mengganggu penggunaan normal nutrisi dan air. Simpul akar nematoda, akar lesi nematoda dan nematoda jeruk yang paling umum pohon ara hama. Nematoda sering sangat sulit untuk mengontrol karena mereka dengan mudah menyebar melalui air dan peralatan berkebun.Langkah 1Memeriksa akar pohon ara untuk nematoda. Menggali tanah dan menemukan akar. Periksa akar untuk galls atau pembengkakan yang terlihat mirip dengan gelembung udara. Nematoda hidup dan pakan dalam galls ini, yang dapat tumbuh sebagai besar sebagai 1 inci diameter.Langkah 2Memeriksa daun pohon ara dan buah untuk gejala nematoda. Tanda-tanda di atas tanah infestasi nematoda termasuk layu dedaunan, menguning daun, buah-buahan yang lebih kecil dan lebih sedikit daun.Langkah 3Mengumpulkan sampel tanah untuk pengujian. Mengambil sampel tanah kecil dari di sekitar akar pohon ara yang terkena. Ringan melembabkan tanah dan menempatkannya dalam kantong plastik yang bersih atau wadah plastik. Laboratorium tidak dapat menguji sampel tanah kering. Dinginkan sampel tanah sampai Anda mengambil oleh pusat Taman lokal atau universitas untuk identifikasi nematoda positif.Langkah 4Complete soil solarization around your fig tree. Break up any dirt clods and remove all rocks and sticks. Moisten the soil and cover it with a plastic tarp. Secure the edges with bricks or rocks. Leave the tarp in place for four to six weeks during the summer. Nematodes and their eggs die when the soil temperatures get higher than 125 degrees Fahrenheit. This soil solarization process temporarily reduces the nematode populations in the top 12 inches of upper soil.Step 5Add amendments to the soil around your fig tree. Compost, peat and manure help to control nematode populations by increasing the nutrient- and water-holding capacity of the soil. Healthier trees have a reduced risk of nematode infestation. Some soil amendments also release toxins that can kill nematodes.Tips and WarningsNematodes can spread by gardening tools, so be sure to clean your equipment thoroughly after each use.Things You'll NeedShovelPlastic bag or containerPlastic tarpBricksCompostPeatManureReferencesUniversity of California's Integrated Pest Managment Program: NematodesNatural Sustainable Agriculture: Solarization ProcessWho Can HelpUniversity of Florida IFAS Extension: Managing Nematodes for the Non-Commercial Vegetable GardenUniversity of Florida's Featured Creatures: NematodesKeywords: how to treat fig tree nematodes, how to control fig tree nematodes, how to treat nematodes in fig treesAbout this AuthorCat Carson has been a writer, editor and researcher for the past decade. She has professional experience in a variety of media, including the Internet, newspapers, newsletters and magazines. Her work has appeared on websites like eHow.com and GardenGuides.com, among others. Carson holds a master’s degrees in writing and cultural anthropology, and is currently working on her doctoral degree in psychology.New in Home Remedies for Insect ControlFicus Tree and Cuban BeetlesIndoor Garden Pest RepellerSalt as an InsecticidePine Bark Mulch InsectsCaffeine As an InsecticideAdditional ReadingHow to Kill Fleas Without PesticidesCan Water Protect Plants From Insects?Plants That Japanese Beetles AvoidHow to Get Rid of Insecticide Resistant TicksPests of Ornamental PlantsSite Map About Us PrivacyTerms of Use© 1999-2014 Demand Media, Inc.Demand Media