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This is my first year with significant nematode problems. I have been lucky over the years because RKNs thrive in this sandy soil. Soil sterilization, the best method, doesn't seem to be economically feasible for a small grower, but there are a number of resistant varieties and management tools available, including trap crops like cereal rye and french marigolds (not a good option because they host the flower thrip that vectors TSWV - and bulk flower seed will cost a fortune).
Not surprisingly, my RKN damage is restricted to okra and cucumbers, both highly susceptible and no resistant cultivars yet available. This fall, I intend to plant Elbon Rye in the worst plots and follow it with Amelia tomatoes (ironclad RKN resistance they claim) in the spring. Corn would be better, but other gardeners in our GFJ project are delegated for corn and it would duplicate their crops with more than we could sell - and the special seed we use is expensive.
I'm responsible for toms, cukes, okra, peppers and winter greens- and we all grow some peas since the market for them is unlimited. We never have enough peas - our townspeople stand in
line and fight over them! My peas this year, which were irrigated, were nearly 100% destroyed by deer - and most of the other guys lost theirs to drought - we've had weeks of 100 + temps and no rain at all. There was nothing for the deer to eat in the woods and they were so desperate they tore down the 6' electric fence every night for weeks. But I digress...as usual :-)
The Elbon Rye is going to cut into my winter greens production and I hope it's worth the effort. I am interested in y'all's experience with it as an RKN control measure.
Jack
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