Jim,

Root Knot Nematodes are a serious problem for us here in Florida. The soil
never freezes so the little buggers just keep on producing.

These microscopic "eels" get into the roots of plants and form "galls" or
"knots" that strangle the host plant. Nematodes mostly effect fruiting
vegetables like peppers, tomatoes, and eggplants. (For tomatoes, plant "VFN"
resistant varieties.) Nematodes can also be a problem for cukes but it does
not sound like that's your problem. Nematodes are disasterous to citrus!
Please be careful about carrying contamination on tools on in soil to any
orange trees.

As RogerX suggested, examine the roots of the plants you pull up for tiny
knots. If you do find an abundance of knots, destroy infected rootstock, DO
NOT COMPOST! Be careful about spreading them, wash your tools.

There are several things you can do to contol nematode infestation:

You can no longer use Vapam but you can solarize the soil for a couple of
months, that helps.

You can try to flood them out. I have actually dug up infected beds and soaked
the soil in 55 gal drums.

Add LOTS of organic material. There is some fungus found in compost that
chokes the nematode. That fungus thrives in composted pine needles and, get
this, crustacion shells like shrimp or crabs.

Add the product, "Nemagone." It's expensive and it is made from ground-up crab
shells. "Chitten" (Or something like that.)

Add Sugar. That's a weird one from a Rodale book. Be sure to water the sugar
thru prior to planting.

Plant Mexican Marigolds. They repell nematodes and other pest.

Water with Asparagus liquor. Yep, save the water when you cook asparagus and
dump it on the plants.


Good luck,

Ed Upshaw







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