Corn Nematodes

Several species of nematodes are parasitic on corn in Indiana. Even though these pests are not usually the sole reason for corn decline, they can magnify other problems. The plant parasitic nematodes that are normally found on corn in Indiana in order of their least to highest significance are: Root knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) Lesion nematode (Pratylenchus sp.), Dagger nematode (Xiphinema sp.), Lance nematode (Hoplolaimus sp.) and Needle nematode (Longidorus sp.). The needle nematodes often cause severe damage to corn. However certain conditions such as a cool wet spring and sandy soil have to be present in order for needle nematode to become a problem.

For more information, see Extension Entomology publication E-215-W "Needle Nematode"