Causal Agent

Ditylenchus dipsaci

 

Hosts

Alfalfa

 

Symptoms

The most recognizable symptom of stem nematodes in alfalfa is patches of stunted plants with the leaves exhibiting a corrugated appearance. The corrugation is restricted to areas between the leaf veins. It does not cross veins, as does the corrugation resulting from thrips damage. Stunted plants usually express thickened or shortened internodes and can be confused with the symptoms caused by blue aphids. Stem nematode symptoms are mostly readily observed during early spring regrowth in established alfalfa stands.

 

Control

Please contact your local county extension office for current information.