Nematodes are microscopic, worm-like organisms that feed on the roots of all plants, including turfgrasses. They are usually grouped with turfgrass diseases because of their microscopic size and because their symptoms often resemble those caused by fungal diseases. Nematode feeding causes a variety of symptoms on turfgrass roots, including stunting, clubbing, lack of branching, dieback, and rot. The above-ground symptoms of nematode feeding are slow growth, thinning of the turf, poor response to adequate fertilization and irrigation, rapid wilting during dry weather, and weed invasion. These symptoms typically appear in irregular patterns across the turf stand, not in circular patches or other distinct patterns. By the time the above-ground symptoms of nematode injury appear, significant damage to the root system has already occurred. A preliminary diagnosis can be made by comparing the root system in core samples from healthy and affected areas. For a definitive diagnosis, submit a soil sample for analysis of nematode populations, since nutritional or other cultural problems may cause similar symptoms. There are about 12 nematode species that are known to damage turfgrasses in North Carolina. Some species are more damaging than others, so each species has a unique threshold, or number of nematodes per volume of soil at which control practices are needed.

Make sure that the problem is due to nematode injury by taking a representative soil sample from the affected area and submitting it to a laboratory for analysis. North Carolina residents can submit samples to the North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services for analysis of nematode populations. Samples, consisting of 12 to 15 soil cores approximately 6 inches deep, should be taken from the edge of the affected area. The sample must not be allowed to dry or be exposed to extreme heat, otherwise nematodes will be killed and an accurate count cannot be obtained. A separate set of soil samples should also be submitted for chemical analysis to determine if any nutritional deficiencies or imbalances exist.

Selection of a well-adapted turfgrass species is an important first step in nematode management. For example, centipedegrass is more susceptible to the sting nematode than bermudagrass or bahiagrass. Therefore, bermudagrass would be the best choice for use in residential lawns where high quality turf is desired if irrigation is available. Zoysiagrass has been observed to be very sensitive to damage from sting nematodes and would not be a good replacement for centipedegrass in sting nematode infested soil. Bahiagrass may be the best choice for low maintenance lawns and in large commercial landscapes in eastern North Carolina. Very little damage from nematodes has been observed on this turfgrass species.

Proper turfgrass management practices will help to overcome a certain amount of nematode injury. When symptoms from nematode injury appear, apply low rates of fertilizer and irrigation on a frequent basis to compensate for the shallow root system, but do not increase the total amount of fertilizer or water applied to the turf. Incorporation of organic matter, such as peat or compost, into the soil may help to reduce nematode populations and increase the turf’s tolerance to nematode feeding. In landscape and utility turf situations, these are the only practical means of nematode management, as nematicides are not registered for use in these areas.

Nematicides may be used on golf courses and sod farms when nematode populations exceed threshold values. Nematicides are very toxic to humans and the environment, so label directions should be followed closely if and when they are used.

• Biology and Management of Nematodes on Turfgrass in Northern California. Westerdahl, B. B., M. A. Harivanndi, and L. R. Costello. 2005.
  USGA Sponsored Research You Can Use.
• Common name: lance nematode, scientific name: Hoplolaimus galeatus (Cobb, 1913) Thorne, 1935 (Nematoda: Secernentea: Tylenchida: Tylenchoidea: Hoplolaimidae). Crow W. T. and A. S. Brammer. 2015 (reviewed). Featured Creatures, Entomology & Nematology, DACS/DPI, EDIS Publication EENY-234
• ​Common name: soil-inhabiting nematodes, scientific name: Phylum Nematoda. McSorley, R. 2009 (revised). Featured Creatures, Entomology & Nematology, DACS/DPI, EDIS Publication EENY-12.
• Common name: sting nematode, scientific name: Belonolaimus longicaudatus Rau (Nematoda: Tylenchida: Belonolaimidae). W.T. Crow, W. T. 2018 (reviewed). Featured Creatures, Entomology & Nematology, DACS/DPI, EDIS Publication EENY-618
• 2018 Pest Control for Professional Turfgrass Managers. Bowman, D. et al. 2017. NC State Extension Publication AG-408. 81 pp.
• Extension Plant Pathology Publications and Factsheets
• Horticultural Science Publications
• North Carolina Agricultural Chemicals Manual

For assistance with a specific problem, contact your local Cooperative Extension Center