Companion Planting with Tagetes erecta Reduces Nematode Load 67% in Organic Tomato Production
Hooks C, Wang KH, Ploeg A
Summary
8.8/10Planting marigolds alongside tomatoes cuts harmful nematode populations by 67% and boosts tomato yields 18%.
Key Findings
67% nematode reduction
18% tomato yield increase
Alpha-terthienyl as active compound
Original Abstract
Intercropping marigolds with tomatoes in organic systems reduced root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) populations by 67%. Alpha-terthienyl from marigold root exudates was the primary nematicidal compound. Tomato yields improved 18% compared to monoculture controls.
Species Mentioned
The tomato is a plant whose fruit is an edible berry that is eaten as a vegetable. The tomato is a member of the nightshade family that includes tobacco, potato, and chili peppers. It originated from western South America, and may have been domesticated there, in Mexico, or in Central America. Th...
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