Fruit Growers News June 2026

Don’t Let Nematodes Ruin Your Season Before It Starts!

3 minute read

Prep your soil with TELONE™ by Teleos soil fumigant 

THE PROBLEM: NEMATODES 

(Sponsored) Nematodes may be invisible to the naked eye, but their impact is anything but small. These microscopic pests account for roughly $8 billion in annual crop losses across the U.S. By the time symptoms appear aboveground, root damage is often already well underway. For perennial crops like orchards, where trees represent a long-term investment, soil testing before planting is one of the most important steps growers can take to protect future productivity. 

Meloidogyne Root Knot nematode damage on strawberry roots

THE SOLUTION: TELONE BY TELEOS SOIL FUMIGANT

Effective nematode management starts before planting. TELONE™ by Teleos soil fumigant is a pre-plant solution designed to help growers manage all major plant-parasitic nematode species, including root-knot, lesion, dagger, stubby-root, ring, and cyst nematodes. Applied ahead of planting, TELONE™ works throughout the soil profile to reduce nematode populations before crops are ever planted. By creating a protective zone during the critical early weeks of growth, TELONE™ allows root systems to establish in an environment where nematode pressure is significantly reduced.

TELONE™ is injected into the soil as a liquid and rapidly converts to a gas, enabling it to move through the soil profile without requiring water or mechanical incorporation. It can be applied either in-row or broadcast, providing flexibility to fit a variety of production systems and field conditions.

Unlike contact nematicides that remain present during crop growth, TELONE™ dissipates completely before planting. As a result, it leaves behind zero residuals and never comes into direct contact with the crop. TELONE™ supports healthier root development, improved crop performance, and a stronger foundation for yield and quality.

THE BENEFITS OF USING TELONE 

  • Greater efficacy compared with contact nematicides
  • Application flexibility—can be applied at-plant, broadcast, in-row and at bedding up
  • Helps manage nematode-transmitted diseases and viruses
  • Proactive approach to crop protection
  • Earlier, more uniform crops
  • Allows you to plant a wider range of rootstocks and varieties
  • Protects yields and profits
  • Zero residuals/never touches crop

USING A TELONE + CHLOROPICRIN BLEND FOR A ONE-TWO PUNCH  

Depending on your location and crops, you might want to consider using Chloropicrin in addition to TELONE™. Chloropicrin is an effective tool in managing soilborne diseases because of its direct fungicidal and bactericidal activity against soilborne pathogens. When used together, TELONE™ and chloropicrin provide maximum application flexibility and can be customized based on the specific needs of the crop and soil. Your TELONE™ Specialist at Teleos will work with you to analyze your soil, understand your specific areas of concern, and create a custom integrated pest management plan tailored to your specific needs and budget. 

SHIFTING THE SOIL MICROBIOME, NOT STERILIZING THE SOIL

One common misconception is that TELONE™ sterilizes the soil, eliminating beneficial microorganisms. However, genetic research shows that TELONE™ doesn’t sterilize but rather shifts the soil microbiome in ways that promote plant health. Using previously unavailable genetic sequencing, new data demonstrate how TELONE™ helps to rebalance soil microbial communities by suppressing pathogenic nematodes while allowing beneficial microbes to repopulate the soil after treatment. 

Fumigation with TELONE™ temporarily disrupts soil biology, but beneficial microorganisms recover quickly, often resulting in a more balanced and resilient soil ecosystem. This natural rebalancing process is key to fostering long-term soil health. TELONE™’s targeted action minimizes harm to non-target organisms, ensuring that soil microbial diversity remains intact, which is crucial for sustained plant productivity and soil fertility.

Root knot nematode under microscope

CONCLUSION

Maintaining soil health while managing nematode pressure is crucial for achieving optimal crop production. Prepping the soil with TELONE™ provides a targeted solution for controlling plant parasitic nematodes, supporting healthier root systems, more efficient water and nutrient uptake, and ultimately, higher yields and better-quality crops. 

To learn more about how TELONE™ can be the star of your integrated pest management plan, contact your local TELONETM Distributor or visit www.teleosag.com to connect with a TELONETM Specialist at Teleos. Remember, there’s no coming back from a poor start!

Legal disclaimer/footer:

TELONE™ and Teleos Ag Solutions™ are registered trademarks of Teleos Ag Solutions, Inc. TELONE™ by Teleos is a federally Restricted Use Pesticide. Always read and follow label directions.