MASTER GARDENER: Mescal Bean and combating nematodes

Q. I remember seeing a really nice flowering tree called Mescal Bean when I visited the UCR Botanic Garden. What can you tell me about it and where can I get one?

A. Mescal Bean, Sophora secundiflora, may be considered a large shrub or small tree. It grows slowly and may ultimately reach 25 feet in height. It tends to be evergreen in our climate and has small divided leaves and a graceful appearance. Mescal Bean blooms in early spring with six-inch clusters of violet-colored flowers that have a sweet fragrance that reminds me of grape juice. Following flowering, seed pods may form that contain red beans. These beans are poisonous, so it is recommended that the pods be removed before they mature.

Mescal Bean, sometimes called Texas Mountain Laurel, tolerates hot locations and poor soil as long as it has good drainage. Although it is frequently sold in native plant nurseries and offered as a low water-use plant, it does require some water. Because it is very slow-growing, you might want to consider purchasing the largest size you can afford. Most good nurseries can order one for you if they dont have them in stock.

Q. I read your article in the OC Register regarding nematodes and tomatoes. Is it true that planting marigolds with the tomatoes can control nematodes in the soil?

A. Sorry, but that wont work. Many years ago, research conducted at the University of Georgia, and confirmed at other universities, too, indicated that rootknot nematodes may be controlled by growing French marigolds as a dense, solid ground cover for at least 90 days. No other plants can be allowed to grow among the marigolds or the treatment will be ineffective, as the nematodes will take refuge in them. After the marigolds are removed, other plants may be grown in the area. The soil should remain free of nematodes for about one year. They found the most effective cultivars were Goldie, Petite Gold, Petite Harmony, and Tangerine. Other cultivars found to be effective are Nemagold, Petite Blanc, Queen Sophia and Tangerine. Some of these cultivars are available locally as seed and others can be found in popular seed catalogs or online. You also may find other varieties that individual seed companies have labeled as being effective against nematodes. Be careful to avoid the signet marigolds, Tagates signata or T. tenuifolia as these particular marigolds are actually hosts of root knot marigolds.

The University of California Integrated Pest Management Program recommends keeping your plants as healthy as possible by growing them in well-amended and well-irrigated soil. This will not reduce the number of nematodes in the soil but strong, healthy plants are better able to withstand the damage caused by root knot nematodes. They have a number of other suggestions including fallowing and crop rotation, soil solarization, and managing planting dates. For those gardeners who would like to read more about nematodes and the tactics you can use to combat them, go to ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7489.html.

Ottillia Toots Bier has been a UC Cooperative Extension master gardener since 1980. Send comments and questions to features@pe.com.

Contact the writer: features@pe.com

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MASTER GARDENER: Mescal Bean and combating nematodes

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