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  • From: "bbmackey" <bbmackey@prodigy.net>
  • To: "gardenwriters-on-gardening" <gwl-g@lists.ibiblio.org>
  • Subject: [gwl-g] Feverfew
  • Date: Mon, 28 Feb 2005 17:14:49 -0500

Something interesting is happening this year, or, I should say, not happening. Every year, by the end of February I have a fungus gnat problem in the soil of the plants growing under fluorescent lights in the basement. This year I've seen a few gnats flying around, but they have not multiplied.
 
I'm thinking that it might have something to do with some flowering feverfew that happens to be there this year. There was some feverfew in a mixed pot with impatiens, brought in before frost. I didn't even notice the feverfew at first but then the little plants began flowering, probably because I leave the lights on for 24 hours a day.
 
I also have some peppers flowering there -- this is a change from last year, too.
 
Could it be that the pollen of the feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) is killing the fungus gnats? I note that commerecial pyrethrins are made from grinding dried Tanacetum species.
 
If so, could growing common feverfew in greenhouses be an organic remedy for the pests? Does anyone know of anyone using the plants this way?
 
Just idly wondering, as the showdrifts pile up here in Pennsylvania.
 
Betty Mackey



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