When are nematodes easiest to detect?

Nematodes are easiest to detect mid to late summer when their populations peak due to favorable environmental conditions that support their growth and activity. During this time, soil temperatures are optimal for nematode reproduction and development, allowing populations to increase significantly. This increase enhances their visibility in the soil and makes it easier for turfgrass professionals and researchers to sample and identify them.

In early spring, while temperatures may begin to rise, nematodes are still coming out of dormancy and their numbers are not yet at their peak. Similarly, although rainy seasons can affect nematode movement and soil moisture, this does not correspond with an increase in population density. Winter months generally see nematode activity decline due to colder temperatures and lower activity levels, making detection more challenging. The peak populations during mid to late summer, therefore, provide the most reliable opportunity for detection and sampling.