How Do Eelworms Spread

Q How do eelworm spread? A Eelworms are mobile, and can travel a few metres through damp soil under their own steam. However, they are spread much more widely when affected plants (including weeds) and plant debris are moved by gardeners, animals, wind and water.

How do you get rid of nematodes?

To kill nematodes in soil, heat small quantities of moist soil to 140°F in the oven or by solarization. Heating soil in the oven over a time period needed to bake a medium-sized potato placed in the center of the soil is sufficient to kill nematodes; however, this is only practical for small quantities of soil.

What does eelworm in potatoes look like?

To confirm the presence of eelworm, check in July/early August (you might need a magnifying glass!). Carefully expose the roots of a potato plant and look for pinhead sized (1mm) white, yellow or brown spherical cysts on the roots.