From everything that I have been able to determine -- from
reading and a little bit of trial and error down here in
bug/nematode/and fungus heaven -- few, if any, of those
companion-plant-as-pesticide-repellant stories are more than old
wives' tales. Just because marigolds smell odd . . .

It's funny- if you examine a nematode on a microscope slide, it dies
within seconds. But in its natural habitat, the air/water/soil
microcosm, it is very tough.

Anyway, as I'm always telling you guys, first thing you do when you
get a new plant, you check the roots so you know what healthy roots
look like (assuming you bought a healthy plant, of course). Then
you'll know when something changes- a root rot, a nematode infection,
etc.

If you see galls, be aware that some plants have nitrogen-fixing
nodules (famously, legumes). Also, galls can be caused by root
aphids (especially on crabapple!), or the crown-gall bacterium. If
you see galls, you should take the plant to your Cooperative
Extension Office for diagnosis.
--
Nina Shishkoff

Riverhead, NY

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