How to identify and control eelworm

Potatoes are vulnerable to eelworm, which can significantly reduce yield and create unsightly marks on tubers.

- Bill Kerr

Potatoes (and many other vegetables) are vulnerable to eelworm. The most common species of this pest found in South Africa are Meloidogyne incognita, M. javanica, and M. hapla.

These are what are commonly known as root-knot nematodes, and are easily identified by round lumps on the small roots and larger raised lumps on the surface of the tubers. The latter will result in your potatoes being downgraded.

Apart from this, eelworm reduces crop yield by restricting the uptake of water and nutrients.