How to prevent and control root rot nematode disease in money trees?

Root rot nematodes, also called root-lesion nematodes, are widely distributed, and the damage caused by nematodes of this genus occurs all over the world. Besides crops, green plants like the money tree are not immune either, so what are the prevention and control methods for root rot nematode disease in money trees?

1. Symptoms and damage of root rot nematode disease in money trees

Root rot nematodes, as 4th-instar larvae and adults, are attracted to the root systems of living hosts and destroy the cortical part of the roots; they create wounds, giving pathogens an opportunity to infect, and the root-lesion nematode damages the young roots of money trees; some species can also damage vascular bundle tissue on certain hosts.

When root rot nematodes infect the roots, the root system becomes sparse, and affected individual plants lose vitality; the roots' ability to absorb nutrients declines; this causes leaves to be small and yellowed, the plant to be short and small, plants throughout the garden to vary in height, and the plant to be prone to lodging; near the infection points, small necrotic spots form, and when many root rot nematodes gather, the spots merge into a larger mass of rotten tissue, while the leaves also show symptoms similar to black spot disease.

2. Prevention and control methods for root rot nematode disease in money trees

1. Strengthen soil, fertilizer and water management

Apply more organic fertilizer and potassium fertilizer, irrigate reasonably, increase organic matter content, and improve soil structure.

2. Reasonable load

Through pruning, maintain a reasonable load and keep the tree vigorous.

3. Uniform water supply

Do not water too frequently, and do not let the plant suffer long-term drought; the specific watering period should be based on the water requirements at different growth stages of the crop, the amount of rainfall, the soil conditions, and so on.

4. Biological treatment measures

At each growth stage of the crop, for example, use organic water-soluble fertilizer to promote rooting, supplement trace elements and organic matter, so as to achieve a well-developed root system, balanced nutrition, and improved disease resistance and stress resistance of the crop, while also carrying out foliar spraying.

If the disease does occur, use an effective fungicide for foliar spraying; for plants with relatively severe disease, combine it with a medicinal solution for root drenching, spraying and drenching continuously 2 to 3 times at intervals of 5 to 7 days, and the disease can be controlled and will no longer spread. Later, after the plants recover, spray foliar fertilizer and organic water-soluble fertilizer again for comprehensive conditioning.

For root rot disease, preventive measures should be taken well, and choosing a good money tree variety is key, laying a good foundation for healthy growth in the coming year.

5. Conventional treatment measures

(1) Clean the soil

First, the money tree needs to be taken out of the flower pot; during this process, move gently so as not to damage the roots. Then clean the soil off the root surface.

(2) Pruning

Cut off all the rotted and blackened root parts of the money tree, pruning from the root tip downward until normal healthy roots are exposed; do not be reluctant to cut.

(3) Disinfection

Prepare a container, put diluted potassium permanganate solution or carbendazim solution in it, then place the pruned money tree in it and soak for about three hours to achieve a full disinfecting and sterilizing effect.

(4) Air drying

After disinfection, place the money tree in a cool and well-ventilated location to dry thoroughly; to prevent the leaves from losing water and withering during this process, regularly spray clean water on the leaf surface of the money tree.

(5) Planting

After the money tree has dried, it can be potted and planted; be careful not to water too much, and wait until the potting recovery period is over before returning to normal care. If you want to speed up the rooting of the money tree, you can appropriately use some rooting powder.