[Arid_gardener] RE: Root knot nematodes

[Marcia]

In a previous message, the following was part of a discussion on controlling
root knot nematodes:
"In India, African marigolds (Tagetes erecta) planted with tomatoes or okra
were found to be effective for reducing six kinds of nematodes including the
root knot nematode and for increasing the quality and quantity of crop
yields. Some substance exuded from marigold roots interrupt the nematodes'
life cycle because the nematode larvae have difficulty penetrating marigold
roots and nematodes were unable to develop once inside marigold roots.  They
say mulches made from marigold leaves and stalks have also helped reduce
nematode populations."

Can anybody tell me whether other species of Tagetes, such as the Mountain
marigold (T. palmeri/lemmoni), which is available locally in the nurseries
in Tucson, will also do this? I have a terrible problem with these nematodes
that I have battled with for years. I just pulled up a row of green beans
that were finished producing and either dead of dying, and boy were the
roots knotted! These nematodes really go after beans. So now this whole 40'
X 6' area has definitely got them bad. I wanted to try planting the
marigolds to see if this would reduce the numbers. I would need a lot of
plants, so would prefer to find seed. So 2 questions:
1. will Tagetes palmeri/lemmoni or other species of Tagetes work, such as T.
lucida, Mexican tarragon)? And
2. anybody know a seed source for Tagetes erecta, and will it grow well in
Tucson? Is it the same marigold that is sold in "eastern garden-type" seed
catalogs, such as Park's and Burpee's?

Thank you,
Marcia

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