Eelworms

Symptoms

Leaves turn yellow and then brown, gradually spreading up the stem, leading to early die-back. Spherical objects, or cysts, up to 1mm in diameter can be seen on the roots if the plants are carefully dug up. These may be white, yellow or brown in colour, and are the swollen bodies of the female eelworms. Each one contains up to 600 eggs which remain viable in the soil for many years.

Cause

Microscopic worm-like animals, some of which are important plant pests – Chrysanthemum eelworm, onion eelworm, phlox eelworm, potato cyst eelworm.

Treatment

Chemical no control available, infested plants should be destroyed, together with their roots.

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