  We study theoretically the destruction of spin nematic order due to quantum
fluctuations in quasi-one dimensional spin-1 magnets. If the nematic ordering
is disordered by condensing disclinations then quantum Berry phase effects
induce dimerization in the resulting paramagnet. We develop a theory for a
Landau-forbidden second order transition between the spin nematic and dimerized
states found in recent numerical calculations. Numerical tests of the theory
are suggested.
