Nematode free: Fact or Hoax?

Are these hosta truly nematode free or is the nematode population just too low to be detected. I hope the former but suspect the latter. Just as there is variation in insect population, weather, disease, etc from year to year, I'd think that nematode numbers vary yearly. Eradication of nematodes (the bad ones) surely would be utopia but is suppression closer to reality?
 
I would think that places where the ground freezes would be equivalent to leaving pots above ground.
 
Is the important factor the lowest temperature, length of time below freezing (or some other temp), how early in the year the temp drops, or some combination or an entirely different reason? Are there any scientists or plantsmen that know the answers?
 
-Preston
----- Original Message -----
From: E*@aol.com
To: hosta-open@mallorn.com
Sent: Thursday, October 18, 2001 6:11 PM
Subject: Re: Overwintering pots of hosta...

Hi All,
The pots in winter..in zone 4 I have buried in sand and wood chips.
At the time I did not know about the no water and let mother nature take care of them. Haven't lost any, but I really didn't have any valuable ones at that time.

I have found that leaving pots of hostas, that have nematodes, above ground with no mulch....if they survive, end up with no sings of nematodes the next year. I now have two plants I have done this to. Kim also had some plants that she left out over the winter...and they who survived are nematode free.
We might be on to something here. If you don't have a way to heat the plants..or the chemicals to rid them of this pest.
I like the chances of letting them freeze. I think the survival rate is about the same.
Anybody else find this to be true?

Paula
Blaine,Mn
Where Embarrass, Mn hit 12 degrees.....

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