Effective nematode control while preserving soil health

Delivering quality produce to market begins with quality soil. The healthiest soils have good levels of beneficial organisms that contribute to and play a vital role in ongoing good soil health.

There are several threats that can degrade healthy soils and the subsequent production of produce each crop season. Decisions growers make can help protect the health of their soils and directly influence the marketability of produce after harvest.

Each season’s first battle against pests that can reduce produce quality begins with effective control of plant-parasitic nematodes — especially the root-knot nematode.

“Root-knot nematodes are, by far, the most important plant-parasitic nematodes that threaten the production of produce across the Southeast,” said Sunil Tewari, U.S. regulatory leader, Corteva Agriscience. “These microscopic roundworms pierce plant roots with a needlelike stylet and inject compounds that reprogram root cells into feeding sites, damaging the root system.”

Damage from root-knot-nematode feeding may be confirmed visually by the bubble- or knot-like galls on plant roots.

“These characteristic galls limit a plant’s ability to take up water and other needed nutrients from the soil that results in stunting, wilting and increased susceptibility to diseases,” Tewari said. “Plant health can decline, resulting in reduced yield potential and, in many cases, lower produce marketability.”

Protect Plant Roots, Soil Health

Some pre- and post-plant nematicides can harm beneficial microorganisms, including beneficial nematodes. Because there are non-plant-parasitic nematodes that contribute to various elements of good soil health, preserving these important species should be a priority.

“Because nematodes can be transferred via production equipment or reestablish from deeper layers of the soil, ongoing in-season control applications are often needed. Produce growers can now choose a plant-parasitic control solution that offers effective control of root-knot nematodes with reduced disruption of the healthy balance of beneficial organisms in the soil and subsequent soil health,” Tewari said. “Salibro nematicide is a selective true nematicide that differentiates it from other nematode control products.”

Featuring Reklemel^® active (fluazaindolizine), Salibro^® nematicide provides a new mode of action and a unique chemical group that makes it a much-needed product to help manage resistance.

“Salibro nematicide can be applied conveniently either preplant or through drip at various points across the crop cycle and extend the life of an effective nematode control program,” Tewari said.

Stop plant-parasitic nematodes from being a factor limiting return-on-investment potential in the production of fruits, vegetables and tree nut crops. Put Salibro^® nematicide with Reklemel^™ active in your nematode control program and get the double benefit of effective nematode control and preservation of soil health.

^{™ ®} Trademarks of Corteva Agriscience and its affiliated companies. Salibro^® is not registered for sale or use in all states. Contact your state pesticide regulatory agency to determine if a product is registered for sale or use in your state. Reklemel^® is a registered active ingredient. Always read and follow label directions. © 2026 Corteva.  040725  BR (10/26)  CAAG26SBRO00958