Hi folks
Not sure if my SRGC sleight of hand will ensure the previous discussion precedes this post, but I sought advice about eelworm treatment and got some helpful replies including the old proven method of raising the bulbs and immersing them in water heated to a certain temperature.
So I was interested to read the article on P.95 of the current issue of The Garden (RHS) headed "Dealing With Eeelworm" which advocates use of a potato-related plant, solanum sisymbriifolium. An article from the website of a supplier of seeds of this plant, Alan Romans, follows, which repeats the gist of the Garden article.
"Thorny, inedible relative of potatoes which strongly stimulates potato eelworm eggs in the surrounding soil to hatch. The eelworm then find that they have nothing to feed on. In trials 50-90% hatch rates were achieved - a stronger reaction than that produced by potatoes themselves. The plant has a strong, attractive white or blue flower. It can be chopped down to 6" in summer for composting and the regrowth will produce more beneficial root growth as well as more composting material. Assume all parts are poisonous.
Sowing Instructions
Plants can grow more than a metre high but should be chopped for compost before this (wear gloves!). Treat as a half hardy annual or an outdoor tomato. Plant the tomato-like seeds spaced out in trays of suitable compost and keep the temperature above 10degreesC until germination. Plant in areas where potatoes will be grown in subsequent seasons as space allows or at 8"(20cm) intervals in rows 1'(30cm) apart. I intent extending the 4 course rotation in my veg garden to 5 by inserting them in after potatoes but before peas and beans. I will also plant them in any spaces in the non-potato sections."
If it doesn't help snowdrop growers it might be of interest to potato growers!
Steve
