New York State -- Garlic growers throughout the state are being warned about Stem and Bulb Nematode, a serious pest which has been found on imported seed garlic.
New York state Agriculture Commissioner Darrel J. Aubertine said the best way for growers to protect their crop is they always always require a valid phytosanitary certificate when they purchase foreign seed.
If growers have concerns about a shipment of seed, they should contact their local Cornell Cooperative Extension agent to have the seed tested. Garlic growers also can reach out to Cooperative Extension for testing to receive confirmation that a crop is nematode free.
The Stem and Bulb Nematode is a microscopic worm that can cause yellowing and death to garlic plants. It also can affect onions, potatoes, alfalfa, strawberries and ornamental plants.
According to the 2007 US Census of Agriculture, New York has 330 garlic farms that dedicate 306 acres to garlic production. Garlic production is up considerably since 1992 when the state only reported 11 acres grown.