4/1/2026 - By Harrell's

Nematodes are among the most challenging and often misunderstood pests facing golf course superintendents and turf managers. These microscopic organisms attack turfgrass roots below the surface, reducing nutrient and water uptake, weakening plant health, and leaving playing surfaces vulnerable to stress, thinning, and decline. Because symptoms frequently mimic drought, nutrient deficiencies, or disease pressure, nematode damage can be difficult to diagnose and even harder to manage without the right strategy.

Fortunately, advances in turf science and plant protection technology have expanded the range of tools available to help superintendents fight back. From biological solutions to innovative chemistries and integrated management approaches, today’s nematode control options offer new ways to protect root systems and maintain consistent turf performance.

Nematode Control Options

Below, we explore several product solutions designed to support nematode management programs, highlighting how each option works and where it fits within a comprehensive turf health strategy. Let’s explore your options.

Indemnify® Nematicide

Indemnify® from Envu controls via contact and systemic activity, root-feeding nematodes, including but not limited to sting nematodes, root-knot nematodes, and stunt nematodes and the foliar-feeding nematode, Anguina pacificae. Indemnify can be used as a preventative or curative to control nematodes and application is straightforward with minimal personal protection equipment. Indemnify should be applied prior to and during active root growth and watered into the root zone to maximize turf recovery, following periods of significant turf stress.

Trefinti™ Nematicide

Trefinti™ from Syngenta utilizes broad-spectrum efficacy to reduce nematode populations (including sting nematodes, root-knot nematodes, and lance nematodes, among others) while controlling select fungal diseases (spring dead spot, take-all root rot, mini ring, and fairy ring) to increase root growth and promote healthier turf. To maximize nematode control and prevent resistance, a rotation program using Trefinti nematicide/fungicide and Divanem nematicide is recommended, particularly when nematode thresholds are high or significant damage has already occurred. Trefinti alone may be sufficient for many situations.

Divanem® Nematicide

Divanem® from Syngenta is a broad-spectrum control nematicide with efficacy on some of the most damaging nematode species – sting nematodes, root-knot nematodes, lance nematodes, spiral nematodes, and Anguina nematodes. For best results, ensure turf is wet prior to application, and a soil surfactant is included in a tank-mix with Divanem. Applications should be made during mornings when light levels are low and dew is present. If no dew is present, a short irrigation cycle should occur prior to application, followed by adequate watering-in of the product to move into the root zone.

Nimitz® Pro Nematicide

Nimitz® from Quali-Pro is a contact acting nematicide with activity against sting, lance, lesion, and root-knot nematodes. Nimitz® is for warm season turfgrass only. Apply to actively growing turf and irrigate immediately to move the product into the root zone. Avoid use on cool-season turfgrass.

Zelto® Nematicide

Zelto® from Albaugh Specialty Products is a unique biological nematicide for turfgrass containing heat-killed Burkholderia spp. strain A396 cells and spent fermentation media. It provides true nematicidal activity against eggs, juveniles, and adult nematodes (including sting, lance, root-knot, and ring) and supports root and turf density improvement. Apply to moist soil, irrigate lightly within 24 hours to move into the root zone, and use preventively or in IPM programs. OMRI listed, minimal REI.

Curfew™ Nematicide

Curfew™ from Teleos is a soil-fumigant nematicide containing 1,3-dichloropropene for high-value turf. Applied by certified custom applicators, it is injected ≥ 5 inches deep, volatilizes in soil, and provides rapid, broad-spectrum control of sting, lance, root-knot, ring, spiral, and stubby-root nematodes. Apply to actively growing turf, or during renovation projects, seal with irrigation immediately after application, and use once annually as a foundation treatment, followed by topical nematicides for season-long management. Curfew™ is a restricted-use pesticide.

SurfaceRx™ use with Nematode Prevention Products?

Harrell’s HydroMAX® SurfaceRx™ is a novel wetting agent formulation engineered to move water into and through the soil profile. When you face hydrophobic, compacted, or high-organic-matter soils, wetting agents help water and applications travel to the root zone, increasing product efficacy and ensuring consistent protection throughout the season.

Not all products are registered in all states. Always read and follow product label instructions.

Your Harrell’s Rep Can Help You Build Your Nematode Control & Prevention Program

Managing nematodes successfully requires more than a single application or product; it takes a proactive, integrated approach built around accurate diagnosis, consistent monitoring, and the right combination of solutions. By incorporating targeted nematode control products into a broader turf management program, golf course superintendents can strengthen root systems, improve turf resilience, and maintain the high-quality playing conditions golfers expect.

Every course presents unique challenges based on soil type, climate, turf species, and nematode pressure. Working with a trusted agronomic partner can help ensure product selections and application strategies align with your course’s specific needs and long-term goals.

To learn more about these nematode management solutions or to build a customized program for your facility, connect with your Harrell’s Rep.