04/13/06 Biofumigation

Controlling orchard pests naturally. I'm Greg Martin with today's Fruit Grower Report. The on-going battle between man and insects has taken a turn back to nature. Scientists at the Agricultural Research Service in Wenatchee, Washington have been working with a natural means of controlling soil borne pests that include certain pathogens, parasitic nematodes, and insects. Biofumigation is gaining popularity in Washington and California as well as some other states. Biofumigation occurs when cover crops of mustard, canola, or other Brassica species decompose and release various chemical byproducts, particularly isothiocyanates. This research is part of Methyl Bromide Alternatives, an ARS National Program since traditionally; chemical fumigants like methyl bromide are used. Mark Mazzola is with ARS's Tree Fruit Research Laboratory. MAZZOLA: What we've been using are seed meals which are the waste product after the oil has been extracted from the various mustard or canola or rapeseed and we're using it predominately in an orchard replant setting. Looking at both nematicidal activity as well as impact on various plant pathogenic fungi. The real trick according to Mazzola is to find the correct combination of seed meals to cover the broad spectrum of pests. He also feels that there is great potential with this type of product. MAZZOLA: From my perspective I think we have enough information to say that yes it is. Because not only is the seed meal useful with regards to disease suppression, it's also a great fertilizer. I mean it's 6% N (nitrogen). I think there are some off benefits, unrecognized benefits that will make it, I believe, an economically viable system. The Tree Fruit Research Laboratory was the first research laboratory of its kind established in America's largest apple producing region. That's today's Fruit Grower Report. I'm Greg Martin on the Northwest Ag Information Network.