more... > Home Gardening > Vegetables > Disease & Pest Management > Managing Nematodes in the Garden [Image: tomato with rootknot galling] There are dozens of different types that feed on the roots of vegetables, but the root-knot nematode is one of the most destructive types found throughout our state. Managing nematodes may involve using one or more techniques that have proven to reduce nematode populations. Root-knot Nematode In The Home Garden [Image: Okra galling] Gardeners are often unaware of a serious pest waiting for the spring vegetables to begin growing. These pests are small, microscopic animals called nematodes, and they attack the roots of many plants commonly grown in the garden. There are two major types of nematodes that cause the most problems for vegetables. Louisiana Plant Pathology: Powdery Mildew of Mirliton [Image: mirliton] Mirliton is mainly cultivated for its fruits, but its stems, young leaves and tuberous roots are also edible. Mirliton is a warm-season crop and grows well in well-drained soils high in organic matter. Mirlitons are susceptible to a common fungal disease called powdery mildew. Use this publication to identify and manage this disease. (PDF Format Only) Herbicide Weed Controls for Vegetable Gardens [Image: Weed Management Guide] PDF of home vegetable garden herbicides for 2009 and their usage.  more articles... Disease Management in Home Vegetable Gardens [Image: home vegetable gardnes] This publication is intended to introduce home vegetable gardeners to the various methods used to manage the many diseases that affect these crops. (PDF Format Only) Very Basic Weed Control [Image: weeding] Controling weeds in small areas may be pretty simple. Insect Management in Home Vegetable Gardens [Image: vegetable insect management] Louisiana is blessed with long growing seasons that make year-round gardening possible. To be successful, however, you must have an insect management program. Learn how to tell if the insect is beneficial to your garden or if it is a pest, and determine what to use if controls are necessary. (PDF format only) Blossom-end Rot [Image: photo of healthy tomatoes] Blossom-end rot can occur when sunny days follow a cloudy, wet period. It is a symptom of calcium deficiency in the plant. Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus [Image: tsw] Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) is causing losses to many tomato growers. Symptoms of the disease typically include cupping and rolling of the upper leaves, which usually turn purple/brown along the veins.