Plant-parasitic nematodes in soil-less culture systems

The development from growing plants in field soil to soil-less culture systems has not resulted in the elimination of problems caused by plant-parasitic nematodes. Species of Meloidogyne and Radopholus have been reported to occur in soil-less culture systems, such as flower crops. The reasons for initial nematode infestation are numerous but the primary reason is likely to be infested plant material. Since nematodes are not expected in soil-less systems, they are often overlooked. However, extension specialists report an increasing occurrence of plant-parasitic nematodes in soil-less culture systems and nematodes seem to be more prevalent than is often thought likely. In an attempt to increase the awareness of the prevalence of plant-parasitic nematodes in soil-less culture systems, this short paper summarises incidences of nematode detections and reviews methods for their detection and strategies for their control.