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Nematode - /ˈnēməˌtōd/ - noun

August 21st, 2019

Definition: An elongated and parasitic cylindrical worm found in animals, plants or free-living in soil or water. Nematodes are a pest commonly found in agriculture, and can be prevented using Integrated Pest Management (IPM).

Ways to Prevent Nematodes:

• Intercropping with Marigolds – Marigold roots repel nematodes and can be easily planted at the beginning of rain periods, with very little effort. Plant them on the bunds surrounding your permagardens and disperse them in beds or other parts of your Forest Garden with plants susceptible to nematode attacks. Most marigolds are prolific seeders, so the seeds collected from dead flowers can easily be replanted.

• Crop Rotating – One of the best ways to avoid continuous nematode infection is to rotate crops susceptible to nematodes, never planting them in the same place continuously. Bananas and papayas, which are especially sensitive to nematodes, should never be planted in the same location as other susceptible crops or after removal.

• Enriching Your Soil – Natural enemies of nematodes are generally present in healthy soils enriched with organic matter. Adding mulch and manure to cuvettes and keeping the soil around trees healthy and full is a strong preventative measure, and also helps the trees stay healthy so that their own defenses can protect them against nematode attacks. 

  
  

Find out more pest prevention methods in Module 16 of the Forest Garden Training Manual.