Iris problem

Hello fellow irisarians - I have a problem with iris grown in 3 beds and have 
had for several years.  They continue to rot despite herculean efforts to 
stop this horrid nuisance.  If it weren't for the rot, I would consider these my 
best prepared and cared for beds.  I have iris plucked down in almost pure red 
clay/iron ore with no amendments and little care that thrive and multiply 
despite damp feet and humidity etc.  I have iris growing in other areas with 
somewhat better soil but which stays damp.  Iris growing in the shade and under 
trees.  Iris growing in competition with soapwort and acid soil.  
I am down to 2 beds as I converted the 3rd to daylily seedling bed.  As I was 
digging up yet more rotting iris this morning, I accidently dug up one that 
was not anchored very well.  It had short stubby roots.  I threw it over the 
fence.  I had no more than done so than it dawned on me that those roots 
somewhat resembled nematode damade.  Of course I couldn't find the rhizome I had just 
tossed so I cannot have it tested, if indeed one can test for nematodes.  I 
sort of remember seeing other rhizomes with these roots here and there now that 
I think of it. Does anyone know if nematodes ever attack iris?  Normally I do 
not have a big problem with nematodes as I have so much clay and acidity but 
this bed has been highly amended with washed sand and green sand and oyster 
shell and compost etc.  This is the 3rd year for these 2 beds so this isn't 
fresh amendments I am talking about.  Another thing I have been noticing is that 
often the rhizomes seem to be attached from the bottom although my experience 
with rot is that it usually seems to start at the base of the fans.  I must 
admit that most of the rotted iris have long healthy roots with no sign of 
nematode attack but still wonder if anyone has ever had nematode damage to iris.  
One other observation; although DB and IB do not do well in this area of Texas 
as a general rule, I had planted the edges of these two beds with the little 
fellows and almost none of them are damaged and have multiplied nicely.  Go 
figure.
As of now I have decided to quit hovering over these two beds.  Access them 
next spring and if the problem continues, destroy all vegetation in both beds.  
Grow Elbon rye next winter and replant with daylilies or something other than 
iris.  Maybe try the iris in the ex-daylily beds.  I dread all the work and 
the fact that this will be a 2 year project, longer until I have iris clumps.  
Why these ideas always seem to come at just anout the time I am finishing up 
for the year, I'll never know.  I could have done that this fall but too late 
now.
Barbara Null
Tyler, TX  zone 7b/8a 
acid clay/iron ored soil, high humidity

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