USDA-Agricultural Research Service scientists are looking for alternative soil treatments for methyl bromide. One treatment uses molasses as one of its ingredients. They also are studying recently developed fumigants.
ARS scientists tested a combination of composted broiler litter, molasses and anaerobic soil disinfestation (ASD). In ASD, topsoil is saturated with water and covered with a plastic tarp. Then, a carbon source (i.e., molasses) is added to stimulate microbial activity. The sun-drenched tarp “cooks” the weed seeds in the soil, and the carbon and water increase microbial activity, creating conditions conducive to pest control.
The scientists found nematode populations were reduced when treated with molasses and poultry litter, that molasses and poultry litter controlled grass weeds just as well as methyl bromide, and that the solarized treatments heated the soil to levels that were at or just below levels that are lethal for many soil pathogens.
Pictured: Former USDA-Agricultural Research Service research associate David Butler participated in a study that examined alternatives to methyl bromide for treating soil against a broad spectrum of nematodes and disease pathogens.
Photo by Peggy Greb