Photo of the week: root knot nematode on poa

In summertime, diagnostics get more complicated, due to the fact that there are usually multiple stressors at work. The photo here is a good case in point. While root knot nematodes (Meloidoygye spp.) are seldom the sole cause of turf damage, when they are combined with heat, drought, shade, disease or other stresses that result in short, wimpy roots, then yellowing, mottled turf often results (see an example on bentgrass here).

For more information, read these PACE Turf References on…