Management of Plant Parasitic Nematode Pests in Florida

Florida is unique in the continental USA for its subtropical and tropical climates. The state is a major producer of fresh fruits, vegetables and ornamentals, in addition to its most renown crop, citrus. Nationally, Florida ranks first in production of citrus, sugarcane, tomato, cucurbits such as watermelon, cucumber and squash, and second in the value of ornamental or floriculture products, strawberry, bell pepper, sweet corn, and avocado. The warm, humid climate and porous soils permit extended nematode population growth with short overwintering, often resulting in extensive crop damage by one or multiple nematode species, including tropical nematodes not encountered elsewhere in North America. Although Florida has been accurately described as a nematologist’s paradise, here we focus on five genera that are of primary agricultural importance, while noting additional economically important species that occur in the state.