The Anti-Root Knot Nematode Experiment

[GoDawgs]

I have posted before about my war with RKNs. This spring I'm trying a little experiment in biofumigation. I noticed a couple years ago that things planted in the spring where broccoli and other brassicas had been planted seemed to suffer a lot less from RKNs. Further research online seemed to support that. So in the spring I've been planting the really susceptible stuff like peas and cucurbits where the fall planted brassicas were. It seems to help.

So this spring I'm playing with really strong mustard plants, something I've not grown before. In the bed where the cukes will be planted on a trellis I grew a row of 12 mustard plants; two 6-packs of sets started 1/20 and planted out 2/24. They've grown nice and big!

25.04.16 Mustard 1, possibly anti-nematode.JPG

Two days ago I pulled them all and chopped them up. The chopped mustard filled a 15 gallon bucket.

25.04.16 Mustard cutting station 2.JPG

Then I scattered the chopped mustard over the row, turned it in with a shovel and watered it good to release the glucosinolates (the strong stuff in the leaves).

25.04.16 Mustard spread infuture cuke bed.JPG

25.04.16 Mustard turned under.JPG

This weekend I'll either shovel-turn it again or take the Mantis tiller through it. The cuke trellis will go up after that and I'll sow the cuke seed at the end of this month. We'll see if anything happens. It can't hurt to try and, by golly, inquiring minds want to know!

[Danny]

It's something I have done, but with the wilder type of mustard, not anything anyone would even think of eating !! I mow it down short and let the mower really chop it up ( discharge chute blocked which you are NOT supposed to do with mowers), the turn it in. No signs of RKN as yet, but it is in Texas, so if not here now, will be.

Please do post how it's working out for you later, always hoping to find not destructive ways to benefit the garden.

[karstopography]

I believe the brassicas and mustard family vegetables help lower the numbers of RKN.

Let us know how you do.

[GoDawgs]

RKN's come out of hibernation when soil temps reach about 60-65. Starting tomorrow we're into upper 80's and low-mid 60's at night for the next eight days. That should get 'em going!

[leftylogan]

I've read good things about the brassica's natural nematode control hopefully it works out. The more sulphur smelling the better.

I reviewed an interesting nematicide active ingredient called Fluazaindolizine maybe ~18 months ago. It's still hard to get AFAIK since it's new and commercial focused but I thought I would at least mention it since nematodes can be so persistent. I'll also give fair warning in case there's opinions that it is currently solely produced by Corteva which is the agribusiness arm of Dow DuPont.

https://www.epa.gov/pesticides/epa-regi ... indolizine