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Francis Barnswallow
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Location: Orlando

Roots of plants look strange

I've noticed today that the roots of my tomatoes and cucumbers plants are starting to grow above the surface of the soil. And the roots have ball like growths on them. The growths are part of the roots.

The plants are growing just fine and creating blossoms, but this is the first time I've seen this happen. Is it a disease?

Any suggestions?

TZ -OH6
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Location: Mid Ohio

Do a Google search for root knot nematodes and see if that is what you have.

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Francis Barnswallow
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aarrggghh, thats exactly what the roots look like. :evil:

garden5
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[url=https://www2.dpi.qld.gov.au/horticulture/4855.html]Here[/url] is and article on rootknot nematodes and it mentions some control measures.

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rainbowgardener
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It won't do any good for this year, but for next year when you plant your tomatoes, plant lots of marigolds around them. Marigolds exude compounds that are toxic to nematodes.

https://www.helpfulgardener.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=158862&highlight=marigolds+nematodes#158862

garden5
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RG has a good point. As you will find after reading on these pests, prevention really is the best cure. I've been lucky so far, no nematoes at all. Fortunately enough, I had planted a whole row of marigolds along the tomatoes in early spring and the tops are huge now, so I'm sure that the roots are, as well.



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