Spider plants destroyed after root knot nematode is found

Two batches of spider plants from Singapore that were found to be affected by root knot nematode (Meloidogyne mayaguensis) have been destroyed, Horticulture Week has reported. 

The Food and Environmental Research Agency (FERA) stepped in to intercept the plants, which arrived at Manchester Airport on the 20th and 21st February and contained 75 and 25 Chlorophytum respectively.

Root knot nematode affects a wide variety of plants and is one of the most damaging plant parasitic nematodes. One of the most characteristic symptoms of root knot nematode is the formation of knots, which cause plant roots to rot and die. Affected plants will wilt in warm weather and are usually stunted.

Gardeners can avoid the risk of root knot nematode by carrying out certain methods of prevention, such as avoiding planting crops where vegetables have been grown previously and maintaining high levels of organic matter in the soil.