What temperature and time are required for hot water treatment during nematode certification?

The correct temperature and time requirement for hot water treatment during nematode certification is 125°F for five minutes. This treatment is crucial as it helps eliminate nematodes, which can be harmful to plant health and agricultural productivity.

The effectiveness of this protocol has been validated through research, indicating that the combination of 125°F for a duration of five minutes is sufficient to achieve the desired level of nematode mortality while minimizing the risk of damaging the plant material being treated. Hot water treatments are a key part of pest management strategies aimed at ensuring the health of nursery plants and compliance with regulatory measures.

Other temperatures and times provided in the options are not aligned with the established best practices for this specific treatment. The correct approach balances effectiveness in eliminating harmful organisms with the need to protect the integrity of the nursery stock.