Sampling for plant-parasitic nematodes is an important tool.  The time to sample nematodes is ahead of colder weather that sends soil temperatures plunging and when soil moisture is adequate.  The value of soil samples collected for nematode analysis drops quickly in dry soils and after freezing temperatures.  End-of-season nematode samples provide information on the types of nematodes present, which can assist in plans for crop rotation and variety selection and give an idea of the population sizes of the nematode species.  Knowing the population size aids not only in which crops and varieties to plant, but also in deciding which nematicides are most appropriate to use.

Choosing the most appropriate cover crop is a decision that should be made carefully. There are several reasons why growers plant cover crops, not the least of which are to reduce risk to erosion and to improve organic matter in the soil.  However, some cover crops are also hosts to problematic nematode species. Legume cover crops are often very good hosts, unless a resistant variety is selected, to the southern root-knot nematode; even wheat can be a host if soils stay unseasonably warm. Residue from cover crops, especially legumes, could feed fungal pathogens such as Rhizoctonia solani and increase risk to seedling disease in 2025. 

Management of crop debris is a consideration for the 2025 season as pathogens survive in this residue.  As an example, infested peanut hay is a very good inoculum source for late leaf spot disease.  Such residue will also feed pathogens such as Rhizoctonia solani in the period between crops.  Any measures that can hasten breakdown of the debris, for example incorporating the hay, will help to reduce the impact on crop diseases in the next season.

Destruction of cotton stalk and surviving peanut and corn volunteers can reduce threat from nematodes and diseases in 2025.  If cotton stalks survive, they can feed plant-parasitic nematodes and harbor the cotton leafroll dwarf virus.  Neither the virus nor the nematodes will survive if the cotton stalks and roots are dead.  Volunteer peanuts and corn may survive long into a warm winter, serving as a green bridge carrying disease-causing pathogens and nematodes from 2024 into 2025.  Yes, a hard freeze will kill these volunteers and may kill the cotton stalks, but until that time comes, each will continue to build inoculum for next season.

Growers should take the time and effort to understand why there were problems with disease and nematode control in 2024 and should seek help to diagnose problem areas in a field.  Now is the time to figure out why there was more disease in a field than expected.  Was it the variety?  Was it the weather?  Was it the rotation?  Was it a problem with the fungicide program to include applications issues and/or choice of product?  Calling Extension to look at a problem in February or March of 2025 is too late.  If we are to help you, it must be sooner rather than later.