| Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4382798 | Applied Soil Ecology | 2010 | 14 Pages |
A plethora of research has been conducted on the use of marigolds (Tagetes spp.) for nematode suppression, yet limited cover cropping with marigold is being practiced in commercial operations. Marigold is well known among nematologists for its ability to produce compounds such as α-terthienyl that are allelopathic to many species of plant-parasitic nematodes. However, there are contradictory reports on how this compound is released. The uncertainty centers on whether allelopathic compounds are released from root or shoot tissues, by growing live plants or soil-amended tissues, as a response to nematode penetration, or as a non-specific repellent. Other mechanisms by which marigold suppresses plant-parasitic nematodes include acting as a poor host, enhancing nematode-antagonistic microorganisms, or acting as a “dead-end” trap crop. Interpretation is complicated because multiple mechanisms may operate simultaneously. Understanding the exact mechanisms responsible for the nematode-suppressive effects of marigold could lead to further/broader incorporation into nematode management programs. This literature review revealed variable findings from marigold use. For example, in some instances using marigold was reported to be more effective than nematicides or soil fumigants and in other instances it had a negative impact on cash crop growth and yield. This variation has been attributed to differences in the way marigolds were used (e.g. intercrop/cover crop/soil amendment, seeding rate, time between marigold and cash crop), marigold cultivar, species or races of target nematodes, temperature, or age of marigold plant. Thus, future research should focus on determining the exact causes of this variability and on developing field IPM programs that take advantage of the nematode-suppressive potential of marigold.
Research highlights▶ Marigold can be used to help manage nematode pests. ▶ Marigold shows multiple mechanisms of action against nematodes. ▶ More field trials are needed to determine how marigold suppresses nematodes.
