Groundstaff at Murrayfield Stadium – which is the home of Scottish rugby –  have been spraying the pitch with garlic in a bid to eradicate a turf parasite.

Nematodes are roundworms that damage the grass root structure, and although the problem was indentified in September, Edinburgh’s home club matches have gone ahead as scheduled, as have the Autumn Test series with Scotland playing Japan, Australia and South Africa.

Scottish Rugby Union (SRU) Director of Management Services Mark Laidlaw said: “A soil examination in September revealed an excessive build up of nematodes, which have caused significant root damage.

“The result is a shallow and weakened root network and, though it continues to perform well in play, it can weaken under the significant pressure exerted by scrums.

“We’ve worked with some of the leading experts in this area to examine and treat one of the best surfaces in world rugby using natural remedies, including the spraying of garlic, but it takes a number of weeks to eradicate the problem and then to recover root strength.

“The groundstaff will continue their efforts to develop and consolidate the root structure and hope to return the pitch to the standard we all expect to see at the national stadium.”

An spokesman added that this is the first year the Murrayfield pitch has been troubled by roundworms, but he had been told this summer’s warmer weather may have led to the parasites’ unwanted appearance.

He said: “The roundworms are enjoying the quality environment of the pitch because it is so well looked after. The care is hourly, daily, and they are moving in because it is so comfortable.”

Other sports grounds that have suffered roundworm invasions include the KC Stadium in Hull, Riverside Stadium in Middlesbrough and Blackpool’s Bloomfield Road. They can also be a problem on amenity grounds and golf courses.