nematodes, good and bad
- To: irisarians <I*@Rt66.com>
- Subject: nematodes, good and bad
- From: N* L* <7*@CompuServe.COM>
- Date: 17 Apr 96 16:45:45 EDT
Carolyn, you asked:
>> Where can I read about beneficial nematodes? How about planting
>> marigold with iris?
You're thinking of the use of marigolds as an organic tactic against harmful
nematodes such as root-knot nematodes. The roots of Tagetes lucida (Mexican
marigold, a different and less showy species than the decorative ones in garden
centers) secrete a substance that repels them. But these kinds of nematodes
aren't a major threat to irises.
Beneficial nematodes are ones that eat larvae of insect pests; for instance,
there are kinds sold for application to lawns that control Japanese beetle
grubs. The Gardens Alive catalog sells them, among others. I hope someone is
able to provide some sources of further reading on them; I'm interested, too.
Nell Lancaster, Lexington, VA 75500.2521@compuserve.com USDA zone 6b
