To maximize nematicide effectiveness, apply the product after which soil condition is met?

To maximize nematicide effectiveness, apply the product after which soil condition is met?

• A. Apply nematicides after soil temperature at 4 inches depth reaches 60F (16C) or greater.
• B. Apply nematicides only after soil temperature reaches 50F.
• C. Apply nematicides during hottest part of the day.
• D. Apply nematicides before irrigation and with dry soil.

Answer: (A)

Nematicide effectiveness hinges on soil warmth and moisture to keep nematodes active and to allow the product to move through the root zone and be taken up by roots. Wait until soil temperature at four inches depth reaches about 60°F (16°C) or warmer. At that temperature, nematodes are actively feeding and moving, and roots are growing, which increases the chance the product will contact nematodes and be absorbed where it’s needed. If you apply earlier, in cooler soil, nematodes are less active and root uptake is slower, so the product works less effectively. Also, applying during the hottest part of the day or with dry soil can reduce distribution and increase volatilization or degrade performance, while applying after irrigation or with sufficient soil moisture helps the product spread through the soil to reach nematodes.

Nematicide effectiveness hinges on soil warmth and moisture to keep nematodes active and to allow the product to move through the root zone and be taken up by roots. Wait until soil temperature at four inches depth reaches about 60°F (16°C) or warmer. At that temperature, nematodes are actively feeding and moving, and roots are growing, which increases the chance the product will contact nematodes and be absorbed where it’s needed. If you apply earlier, in cooler soil, nematodes are less active and root uptake is slower, so the product works less effectively. Also, applying during the hottest part of the day or with dry soil can reduce distribution and increase volatilization or degrade performance, while applying after irrigation or with sufficient soil moisture helps the product spread through the soil to reach nematodes.