Study on growing of tagetes patula and tagetes erectus and their effects on root-knot nematodes

Root-knot nematodes are currently being controlled by chemicals which are not environmentally friendly. Research on Tagetes spp (Marigolds) was done to gauge its potential and feasibility as a biological control for root-knot nematodes with an aim of introducing a green alternative to chemical pesticides to local farmers. Marigolds of the species T. patula and T. erectus were planted with Solanum lycopersicum following two treatment types; pre-planting and co-planting, in polybags. This experiment is repeated in five batches, each ending with the premature deaths of the T. patula and T. erectus seedlings. Lack of data caused by plants' failure to grow in harsh conditions makes tests for the effectiveness of the two Tagetes species inconclusive and costs and extra care needed to grow these plants makes them prohibitive for local farmers who do not have much capital and may not have additional uses for Tagetes spp apart from biological control makes this option economically unsound.