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Experienced horticulturist will shudder at the
description just given. Fine. That's how it can best be described to the
amateur. Many professionals are also flummoxed as to what has hit their
plants as well, so don't worry!
The main recipients of Eelworms are notably
Chrysanthemums, Penstemons, Phlox, Gypsophila and Anemones.
Strawberries have their own eelworm - or nematode as they are known!
(A little bit confusing, because there are also useful Nematodes - often
sold as biological control for such things as slugs and leatherjackets
etc.)
If ever there is a discoloured or distorted leaf or
flower with no obvious signs of pest or disease, then Eelworms must be
suspect. On plants where eelworms are known problems, such as
Chrysanthemums, then overhead watering should be kept to minimum,
because this facilitates the movement of the eelworm on the exterior of
the leaf.
Nematodes sometimes cause growth on roots of some
plants. Nematodes are also the cause of many parasitic problems on
humans and animals - also fish.
Bulb Eelworms
Stem and Bulb eelworm are also responsible for damage
to bulbs and corms including Daffodils, Tulips and Hyacinths. the tell
tale signs are soft - rotten - bulbs, and small yellowish swellings on
the foliage - especially with Tulips. (Not to be confused with Rust.)
Again, the control is dig up and burn, and not replant with the same
type of bulb in that area for at least four years.
Typical Nematode nodules on Root of plant.
There is a method of hot water treatment
for chrysanthemum stools for those wishing to take cuttings from
affected plant - see
here
Other than that, remove affected plants and burn. Do not compost.
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