How to Kill Rose Nematodes
- 1). Fallow the soil where the roses had been killed by the nematodes. Fallowing means to not plant anything in that part of the soil to reduce the nematodes. Fallowing for 1 year will reduce the population of nematodes allowing you to plant your roses. Fallowing for 2 years will kill even more nematodes allowing you to have a successful rose garden in that plot.
- 2). Before planting your rose bush, fumigate the soil with SMDC (Vapam). This is very effective is killing the nematodes.
- 3). Cover the soil under the roses with large plastic garbage bags or tarps. This should be done in the beginning of summer and can be left on until the beginning of fall. The nematodes and offspring can not survive in heat above 125 degrees F. The bags/tarps will increase in the heat of the soil, reducing the nematode population.
- 4). Plant nematode-suppressive plants. French marigolds are effective in reducing nematode population when planted near or around the effected soil.
- 5). Remove and destroy any nematode-infected roses. Unfortunately, the infected plants need to be discarded, never try transplanting the infected roses because they will spread the nemtodes to new, clean soil and continue their devastating cycle.
- 6). Add peat, manure and composts to your soil. Roses that are "water-stressed" can become more susceptible to nematodes. The peat, manure and composts will increase the nutrients and water to the roses making the nematode damage less significant.
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