Root Knot Nematode

The Root-knot nematode (RKN), Meloidogyne incognita, is a serious pest that infects cotton as well as sorghum, corn, melons, watermelon, peppers, beans, and many other crops. The RKN is usually found in sandy or sandy loam soils; and is most active in the summer when soil temperatures are warm. This parasitic nematode is an obligate parasite that must complete its life cycle in a plant host, but eggs are persistent and can remain inactive in the absence of a host and/or in fallow fields for months or years. Infection of RKN causes swellings (galls) on the roots. In cotton, these swellings are usually small and hard to detect. As a result, plants may be heavily infected even though galls are not easily visible. Accurate diagnosis of RKN infestation usually requires laboratory analysis for detection and identification. Good samples are important for accurate identification and quantification.
Click Here for a short publication on Sampling Soil for Root Knot Nematode, which contains steps to help ensure you get a good sample.