Stem and bulb nematode (Ditylenchus dipsaci)

Symptoms

• D. dipsaci enters through stoma or plant wounds and create galls or malformations in plant growth.
• This allows for the entrance of secondary pathogens like fungi and bacteria.
• Symptoms are stunted growth, discoloration of bulbs, and swollen stems.

Management

• Bulbs that show signs of disease should not be planted
• Proper sanitation of fields and tools is essential because this nematode can survive and reproduce in infected plants and residues.
• Soil Solarization
• Fumigate the soil with formalin.