Stem and root knot nematodes are problems in isolated areas of the west. The lesion nematode can be a problem on lighter, granular soils in all areas. This nematode causes insidious damage by often taking place without our awareness. The number of nematodes can greatly vary from year to year depending upon unpredictable environmental conditions and some years can be in sufficient number to cause seedling failure.

Solution: If you are on light soils and have trouble establishing alfalfa or you think stands are sometime not thrifty, a few lesion nematode resistant varieties are available. Yields of these varieties are good.