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Grafting Citronella to improve cold hardiness. #877636

Asked July 17, 2024, 1:45 PM EDT

Hello MSU Extension. I am a Michigan resident and would like to know if MSU Extension or the University has a plant biology dept.? Not sure I worded that correctly but in short, I have a property that experiences severe mosquito population explosion and makes it difficult to enjoy said property. Was researching on plant to have and I know that Citronella can be planted BUT its not rated for my plant zone area (I live in Zone 5A), meaning it would have to be planted every year or taken in doors for wintering. There in lies the problem and I was wondering if Citronella can be grafted to a better root stock or be modified so that it can be planted as a Perennial which could be utilized around a property more efficiently or can Citronella be biologically modified so that its a Perennial grass, or is there a suitable substitute for it?. I can be put in touch with the correct dept. Thank you. Derek

Delta County Michigan

Expert Response

MSU does have a horticulture department (Department of Horticulture (msu.edu)) but you found the right place to ask your question.

The short answer is no, creating a cold hardy form of these plants is not being worked on anywhere to my knowledge because even, if possible, there wouldn't be much demand for these plants...and that is because studies have shown that the live plants themselves do not actually do much to deter mosquitoes. The grass itself only contains smaller amounts of the oil substance, citronellal. The oils in the plants are what are produced, processed, and utilized in other products.  Using a citronella candle in a small area would be more helpful than the plants themselves.

Here is a link to a Penn State University article about mosquitoes including ways to reduce their breeding sites on your property:

Mosquito Biology and Control (psu.edu) 

An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 19, 2024, 1:23 PM EDT

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