A HOT WATER DRENCHING SYSTEM FOR DISINFESTING ROOTS AND MEDIA OF POTTED PLANTS OF THE BURROWING NEMATODES

A hot water drenching system to disinfest potted plants of burrowing nematodes was developed and tested. The unit delivered a continuous stream of constant temperature hot water through the potting media and roots of potted plants. Tests with various types of potting media showed a rapid and uniform temperature rise in volcanic cinder and in potting mixes of volcanic cinder and lower than 50% peat moss. Burrowing nematodes in roots and media of infested potted palms were eliminated when the pots were drenched at 50
C (122
F) for 15 min with no adverse effects on the plants. In comparison, dipping potted palms in a constant temperature water bath was not as effective against the burrowing nematodes.