Soil Quality

Root lesion nematodes (RLN) are microscopic worm-like animals that use a syringe-like “stylet” to extract nutrients from the roots of plants. Pratylenchus neglectus and P. thornei are the most common RLN species in Australia, although populations of P. teres and P. penetrans are also found in Western Australian soils where they have been found to cause significant yield losses. Overall, RLN’s affect all cropping regions of southern Australia, and are an increased risk in areas where minimum tillage has been adopted.