Cant judge you not my style, but what the heck were you thinking @#%#&%#$@.
Just jokeing
You should have seen my face when the little yorkie uprooted one of my itsy bitsy cutting that just budded and ate it up, never posted it though.
I dont know about this RKN heard of it though on forum, if they live in the groung would they be in other spots of your proerty. Oh was just thinking about that fish you showed some of that ground might make some good fertizer scratched in around your trees.

Martin,
I really can't answer you on whether ot not I have RKN everywhere, I have a Celeste tree within 20' of the Alma
that is doing great and a new small Tx. Everbearing that is 20' from the B.M.it is doing great also! We will wait & see?
As far as your Plant eating Yorkie, I hope my Yorkie never learns how to read, she never bothers anything..REALLY
Cecil

Sorry for you loss Cecil. A hand grenande might clear that spot out better than the truck!

Thanks Steve,
I thought about that, but they are too close to our house, so that is out.

Cecil

Hi Cecil,

The more I look, the more I am convinced there is no getting away from RKN in this area. Every tree in the ground in Houston has had the infamous galls. Most of them, however, seem to be doing pretty well despite the nematode infestation.

Given your trees are already planted, you may want to air-layer the tops off, and keep the roots planted. If the root growth outpaces the mobility of the nematodes, the trees may end up surviving (maybe even thriving).

As for the Nem-A-Cide (chitin): Chitin is an organic amendment made from chitin extracted from shellfish waste, soybean meal, and urea. It works my increasing the soil composition of microorganisms that feed on chitin. Chitin is one of the primary components of the body wall of nematodes. To be effective, a large amount of product is necessary. Available as Hi-Yield Nem-A-Cide Nematode Control and Clandosan at your local retail locations. This product is NOT recommended for use on FRUIT TREES. USE ON LAWNS, TREES, and VEGETABLES. A single annual application is sufficient for control.

~james

Thanks James,
Nem-A-cide says it can be used in gardens & fruit trees!

Cecil

Gene & Herman has said this in the past.
"Triple Super Phosphate 0-46-0
An enriched source of phosphorus; helps stimulate root development and aids in fruit and flower formation"

So I will use it and try to get better root growth to help combat RKN
Cecil

Cecil,

Excess phosphorus has it's own problems. From a TAMU paper The buildup of phosphorus in lawns, gardens, pastures and croplands can cause plants to grow poorly and even die. Excessive soil phosphorus reduces the plantÂs ability to take up required micronutrients, particularly iron and zinc, even when soil tests show there are adequate amounts of those nutrients in the soil.

Phosphorus buildup is caused by excessive use of inorganic fertilizer or the use of composts and manures high in phosphorus. High soil phosphorus levels also can threaten streams, rivers, lakes and oceans.

From my readings, I am inclined to think reducing (not eliminating) the amount of nitrogen and potassium is a better way to encourage root growth than is applying additional phosphorus.

Winter is a natural enemy of the nematode. As soil temps drop, RKN mobility and reproduction slows down. However, root production continues even during the colder months. If you put a thin layer of mulch over the root zone during the winter time, it will help keep the soil temps warm enough to grow roots while the nematodes are slowed down. Remember, under the best of conditions, RKN's natural mobility allows them to travel a couple of inches per year. I had a first year LSU Purple put on 36" of root growth in a single season. Even the slowest growing trees put on 8-10" of roots in their first year.

Disturbing the soil will help distribute the RKN to other parts of the yard.

~james

Here is a link that might be useful: Phosphourus: Too Much and Plants May Suffer

James,
I'm glad you explained that, the perfect way you always do!

I will heed your advice & follow it!

Ya'll are going to educate me in spite of myself.

Again THANX
Cecil