Most commonly, fumigants are used to suppress parasitic nematodes prior to planting. Soil fumigants play a key role for successful fruit production in certain berry crops in some areas, especially where plant parasitic nematode populations are high. Some growers use non-chemical methods, such as cover crops, to help reduce nematode populations prior to planting. However, this method requires that a field not be planted for one or two years and most growers don’t have the luxury of extra land or money to keep a field out of production.
Check with your local Cooperative Extension Service office for specific information for your area.
