How to Manage Pests

UC Pest Management Guidelines

Sugarbeet cyst nematodes are microscopic roundworms that feed on plant roots. They survive in soil as eggs within cysts. They have a wide host range, vary in their environmental requirements, and induce various symptoms. Careful examination of roots will show the small (the size of pinheads), round to lemon-­shaped, white (early stages) to brown (older stages) bodies that are the female nematodes (cysts) of Heterodera schachtii. The egg-filled females die and remain as cysts in the soil for many years.

Infestations of sugarbeet cyst nematode may be localized or spread over an entire field. Typically, the field will have random spots where spinach plants are small and stunted. In heavily infested soils, spinach seedling emergence may be delayed or seedlings may be killed before emergence, resulting in a reduced stand.

If nematode species have not been identified previously, take soil samples and send them to a diagnostic laboratory for nematode identification.

Rotate with crops that are nonhosts of the sugarbeet cyst nematode. Crops that host this nematode include those in the families Chenopodiaceae (beets, sugarbeets, spinach) and Cruciferae (cole crops). Weeds that host this nematode include mustards (Brassicaspp.), shepherd's-purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris), and wild mustard or charlock (Sinapis arvensis). Weeds that are intermediate hosts for this nematode include common lambsquarters (Chenopodium album) and redroot pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexus).

Nematode population thresholds have not been established. Consider treating if sugarbeet cyst nematodes have caused problems in the past, the rotation includes other host crops, and soil samples analysis indicates the pest is present.

Common Name		Amount /Acre
(trade name)
A.	1,3–DICHLOROPROPENE*
	(Telone II)	Label rates
	COMMENTS: Follow label for rates and application procedures. Fumigants, such as as metam sodium and 1,3-dichloropropene, are a prime source of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are a major air quality issue. Fumigate only as a last resort when other management strategies have not been successful or are not available.
B.	1,3-DICHLOROPROPENE*/CHLOROPICRIN*
	(InLine)		Label rates
	COMMENTS: Multipurpose liquid fumigant for the preplant treatment of soil to control plant-parasitic nematodes, symphylans, and certain soil-borne pathogens using drip irrigation systems only. Use of a tarp seal is mandatory for all applications of this product. Fumigants, such as as metam sodium and 1,3-dichloropropene, are a prime source of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are a major air quality issue. Fumigate only as a last resort when other management strategies have not been successful or are not available.
C.	1,3-DICHLOROPROPENE*
	(TELONE EC)		Label rates
	COMMENTS: Liquid fumigant for the preplant treatment of soil against plant-parasitic nematodes and certain other soil pests in cropland using drip irrigation systems only. Fumigants, such as as metam sodium and 1,3-dichloropropene, are a prime source of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are a major air quality issue. Fumigate only as a last resort when other management strategies have not been successful or are not available.
* Permit required from county agricultural commissioner for purchase or use.

PUBLICATION

UC IPM Pest Management Guidelines: Spinach
UC ANR Publication 3467
Nematodes
J. O. Becker, Nematology, UC Riverside
S. T. Koike, UC Cooperative Extension, Monterey Co.
M. LeStrange, UC Cooperative Extension, Tulare Co.

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