Growers and agronomists urged to look for stem nematode patches in SA crops

Stem nematode has been observed causing some early patches in Brusher oats in the mid-north of South Australia. Many plants in the patches have not emerged. Plants adjoining the patches are stunted and recent tillers are distorted; these are most visible when plants are dug up. Swelling at the base of tillers, resembling spring onions, may also be observed in oats.

Stem nematode can multiply on susceptible oat and faba bean varieties and it can also cause seedlings of canola and pulse crops to become severely distorted. These symptoms resemble the type of damage that may be caused by hormone herbicides.

Stem nematode has multiple generations per season and when starting from a low population, crop symptoms may not be visible until late winter early spring.

Advisers and growers are urged to investigate suspicious patches and submit plant samples to SARDI for diagnosis.

If you suspect stem nematode contact Dr Alan McKay SARDI.

Email: alan.mckay@sa.gov.au
Phone: 8429 2216
Mobile: 0419 842 952