Experts Advise Farmers on Combating Yield-Robbing Nematodes in No-Till Corn

New crop protection products and field testing can help manage microscopic pests, says Bayer agronomist.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 6:14am

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A highly textured, abstract painting in earthy tones depicting the intricate, interconnected biological structures of nematodes infesting a cornfield, conveying the complex challenge of managing these yield-robbing pests.New strategies to manage the microscopic nematodes that can devastate no-till corn yields.Cincinnati Today

Nematodes, the microscopic pests that can significantly reduce corn yields, may be causing more damage to U.S. cornfields than previously thought. However, Bayer CropScience agronomist Ray Knake says prudent field-testing, timely weed control, and the application of new crop-protection products can help no-till farmers reduce the risk of major damage from these yield-robbing pests.

Why it matters

Nematodes are a major threat to corn production, especially in no-till fields where the pests can thrive. Understanding the types of nematodes present and using an integrated approach of field testing, weed management, and new crop protection tools can help farmers mitigate the impact of these microscopic yield-robbing pests.

The details

Knake says no-till farmers must identify the specific types of nematodes in their fields to better understand the damage they can cause. Common nematode pests of concern include root-knot, lance, and lesion nematodes, which can significantly reduce corn yields. While no-tillers will never fully eliminate nematodes, Knake advises using a combination of field testing, timely weed control, and new crop protection products to manage the pests and minimize yield losses.

  • The 19th annual National No-Tillage Conference was held last January in Cincinnati, Ohio.
  • Knake provided his advice on managing nematodes during the conference.

The players

Ray Knake

An agronomist with Bayer CropScience who spoke about nematode management at the National No-Tillage Conference.

Bayer CropScience

A major agricultural company that produces crop protection products, including those that can help manage nematodes in no-till corn fields.

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What they’re saying

“You're never going to win the war against nematodes. All you can do is try to manage them to reduce your yield losses.”

— Ray Knake, Agronomist, Bayer CropScience

The takeaway

Nematodes pose a significant threat to corn yields, especially in no-till fields, but an integrated approach of field testing, weed management, and new crop protection tools can help farmers mitigate the impact of these microscopic pests and protect their harvests.