How can turf nematodes impact root health, and what diagnostic method confirms nematode presence?

• A. They feed on roots, reducing water/nutrient uptake and vigor; diagnose via soil and root nematode testing in a lab.
• B. They feed on leaves; diagnose by leaf samples.
• C. They improve root growth; diagnose by soil color.
• D. They have no effect; diagnose by visual inspection of turf color.

Answer: (A)

Nematodes damage the root system by feeding on root tissue, which weakens roots and reduces their ability to take up water and nutrients. That disruption shows up as slower growth, thinning patches, and overall turf stress, especially under heat or drought conditions. To confirm nematode presence, rely on a lab analysis of soil and root samples rather than just viewing symptoms, since many problems can look similar in the field. Collect representative soil cores from the affected areas, wash and examine the roots, and send them to a diagnostic lab for nematode extraction and species identification. The lab will report whether plant-parasitic nematodes are present and which types, which then informs management decisions. Visual turf color or leaf symptoms aren’t reliable indicators on their own for nematode infection.