Root-Knot Nematodes (IMAGE) Purdue University Caption Root-knot nematodes, recently confirmed in southern Indiana, can cause extensive damage to soybeans, corn and watermelon, three of the main cash crops in that area of the Midwest. Purdue plant pathologist Andreas Westphal and his research team have identified several commercial varieties of soybeans that grow well in the area and are resistant or tolerant to this type of nematode and also to soybean cyst nematode. In the photo, Westphal is holding a tomato plant infected with root-knot nematodes, evidenced by the knobby growths on the roots. Credit Purdue Agricultural Communication photo/Tom Campbell Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.