Document Type
Report
Publication Date
4-1-2026
Publisher
Clemson Extension Publishing
Abstract
Several species of nematodes cause significant yield losses on peanuts in the southern United States (Table 1). Among row crops, peanuts are unique because nematodes can damage peanuts at two different growth stages. First, nematodes can affect the emerging radicle and secondary roots, causing reductions in water and nutrient uptake, and subsequently causing stunting or chlorosis. In many cases, the most significant impact of nematodes on peanut is a decrease in grade caused directly by the nematodes feeding on peanut pegs and shells. These wounds allow pathogenic fungi to enter the shells, causing pod and seed rots (Figure 1). The damage from peanut root-knot nematodes is often severe and can result in plant mortality (Figure 2). Ring and lesion nematodes are common in peanut fields, but they tend to cause less-severe damage than peanut root-knot nematode, reducing quality rather than gross yield.
Recommended Citation
Dantzler, Zachary; Arco, Dan; Varn, Joe E.; Hammond, Shelby; and Mueller, John D., "Detecting and Managing Plant-Parasitic Nematodes on Peanut in South Carolina" (2026). Peanuts. 1.
https://open.clemson.edu/peanuts/1