One of our researchers at our Research Farm harvested these carrots this past week. She found these nodule-shaped deformations on many of the carrots and asked me to identify the problem. These nodes are caused by Root Knot Nematodes. These are plant parasitic round worms that attack roots of many garden vegetables. They typically cause deformities that ultimately make the vegetable inedible or stop it from growing to its full potential. These plant parasitic nematodes are not to be confused with the ones Gardens Alive! sells. The Grub-Away nematodes actually prey on insects and other pests, thus benefiting the home gardener. And, our nematodes will not attack any plant material.
The solution to harmful nematodes is, coincidentally, beneficial nematodes – SF or Steinernema feltiae are the most helpful breed in this case. The best way to prevent Root Knot nematodes is to put down SF nematodes when you plant carrots. If you’ve had problems with parasitic nematodes in the past, you’ll likely have issues when you try to grow your carrots (and other vegetables) in upcoming fall and spring planting seasons. Just spray the beneficial nematode solution when you put out your carrot seeds or shortly after they germinate. The SF nematodes will actually protect the plant against parasitic Root Knot nematodes – and giving you a healthy harvest.