California sweetpotato growers are busy prepping their fields ahead of planting. One of the biggest threats they face is damage inflicted from root-knot nematodes. These microscopic pests cause big problems for growers—just check out the photos of damage below.

Root-knot nematodes not only damage sweetpotato roots, they affect tuber quality as well. Nematodes attack developing plant roots, resulting in damage that manifests itself in many ways throughout the season. The images below show root galling and misshapen sweetpotatoes unfit for market.

When it comes to managing nematodes, TELONE™ by Teleos soil fumigant remains the gold standard. Because of where nematodes live, how they move, and what impacts them, no alternative matches TELONE™’s efficacy in reducing nematode populations deep within the soil.

By targeting nematodes before planting, TELONE™ helps growers give crops the best possible start. TELONE™ creates a protective zone around young roots during the first 6–8 weeks of growth, helping plants establish stronger, healthier root systems. This supports higher yields, better quality, and improved ROI for growers.

And for those exporting crops, TELONE™ provides additional peace of mind: it leaves zero residuals and meets EU market standards for sweetpotatoes grown in treated soil.

Effective ground preparation is a critical step in setting up successful crop production. Soil conditions prior to planting play a key role in supporting root development, plant health, and overall performance throughout the season.

Soil fumigation is one of the tools growers use to manage soil-borne pests and diseases before planting, helping to create a healthier soil environment. TriCal New Zealand supports growers with science-based soil solutions designed to promote strong establishment and long-term production outcomes.

TriCal Group Companies are committed to the safe and responsible use of soil fumigation. We strive to protect you, your community and the environment. Our Companies rely on decades of experience, thousands of in-field application trials, and hundreds of university research studies to find the perfect formulation that is healthy for your crops, profitable for your farm, and safe for your community.

Healthy fields start below the surface. This side-by-side in peppers shows how soil fumigation with chloropicrin can improve soil health, reduce disease pressure, and support stronger crop growth.

TriEst Ag Group specializes in soil fumigation, irrigation, crop nutrition, equipment, grafted plants, polytunnels, substrate, and associated growing systems for growers in the Mid-South, Georgia, Florida, Mid-Atlantic, Mid-West, and Northeast Regions.

As we celebrate America's favorite berry, let's dive into a recent report by the California Strawberry Commission. The recently-released report highlights that strawberry production continues to grow—reinforcing just how important this specialty crop is to U.S. agriculture.

Industry data shows U.S. strawberry production has exceeded 2.6–2.7 billion pounds annually, with California supplying roughly 90% of the crop and Florida supporting key winter production windows.

Strawberry production in the Santa Maria Valley has increased significantly in recent years, with growers expanding acreage and output to meet strong market demand.

The region produced approximately 88.6 million trays last year, up from 82.8 million the year before, showing continued year-over-year growth.

Strawberries remain the top-value crop in the Santa Maria region, with growers continuing to invest in expanded production and new growing systems to improve supply and sustainability.

With demand rising and production concentrated in high-value regions, consistency, quality, and efficiency have never been more important.

That’s why many growers prioritize pre-plant soil preparation with TELONE™ by Teleos soil fumigant.

Strawberries are highly susceptible to plant-parasitic nematodes, which can reduce root efficiency, limit nutrient uptake, and impact yield and fruit quality—often before symptoms are visible aboveground. But success in strawberries starts belowground.

By reducing nematode pressure early, TELONE™ supports stronger root systems that improve efficiency—supporting better water and nutrient use, reduced reliance on inputs, and improved crop performance. All of this contributes to improved berry quality, increased yields, and better grower ROI.

In a crop where quality and timing are everything, a strong start is key. That's why grower in the know prep with TELONE™.

On this International Workers' Day, we recognize those who, with effort and daily dedication, advance agriculture throughout South America. Their work is the foundation for stronger crops, healthier soils, and a more sustainable future.

Today we reaffirm our commitment to continue supporting their work with solutions that boost their productivity and take care of each crop from the root.