How to identify
- Swollen root galls (knots) on pulled plants
- Wilting in midday despite moist soil
- Patchy stunting in sandy, warm beds
Damage: Chronic yield loss and drought-like symptoms.
Control methods
- Pull and trash heavily galled roots — do not compost them.
- Rotate with non-host cover crops; solarize empty beds in peak summer where practical.
- Choose nematode-resistant tomato rootstocks or varieties when available.
What products to use
We list product types and what to check on the label — not brand rankings, prices, or “we tested” claims. Always follow the label for your crop, and prefer the least disruptive option that works.
Resistant varieties / rootstocks
When: Confirmed galls in warm-climate beds
Look for: Seed catalogs listing root-knot resistance (often coded N or Mi); chemical nematicides are not a casual home-garden tool