Thanks for your observations, Beach. Root knot (and other) nematodes cause more problems than most gardeners are aware of. I don't consider their presence as a possible causal agent for problems as often as I should. I thought of them more when I lived in SC, where the sandy soils were condusive to several pest nematode species. They're not on my radar in the heavy clay soils common to my present location.

Do you have any cultural practices planned to help control these evil pests? Selecting resistant varieties is always important, as you seem to be well aware of.

Thanks again!