Root lesion and burrowing nematodes
Nematodes are common soil pests that feed on the roots of a wide range of crop plants in all agricultural areas of Western Australia, irrespective of soil type and rainfall. Nematodes multiply on susceptible hosts. Consequently, as nematode populations increase, crop production is limited. Damaged roots have less efficient water and nutrient uptake, and plants are also less able to tolerate other stresses such as drought. Cereal yield losses due to nematodes in Western Australia are in the order of 5-15% per annum, but individual losses as high as 40% have been recorded. You can request a copy of Bulletin 4698 'Root lesion and burrowing nematodes' from Ciara Beard.