Root knot nematodes on bentgrass, too

We have recently diagnosed root knot nematodes (Meloidogyne) as a source of damage on a poa/bent green. But we wondered whether the nematodes were attacking bentgrass roots as well as poa roots.

When we washed the roots free of soil and examined them, we found that yes — root knot nematodes cause galls on both poa and bentgrass roots. Yet although both turf types are attacked, it appears that the bentgrass tolerates the nematodes much better than the poa does.…