Suppression of Plant Diseases, Nematode, and Arthropod Pests by Vermicomposts and Weed Seeds and Human Pathogens

NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY: Organic wastes create environmental problems and often require landfill disposal. Research at Oregon Soil Corporation and their academic partners at the Ohio State University has shown that organic wastes can be broken down into valuable soil amendments or plant growth media, called vermicomposts, by earthworms using a range of technologies. Vermicomposts have dramatic effects on rates of plant germination, growth, flowering and fruiting. Recent research at OSU has indicated that vermicomposts can suppress the incidence of arthropod pests, plant diseases and plant parasitic nematodes, and that weed seeds and human pathogens are eliminated during vermicomposting. The objectives are: To assess the degree and extent of suppression of plant diseases, plant parasitic nematode populations and arthropod pest numbers, on horticultural crops, by vermicomposts in the laboratory and greenhouse. To assess the degree and extent of suppression of plant diseases, plant parasitic nematode populations, and arthropod pest numbers, on horticultural crops, by vermicomposts in the field. To determine the fate of weed seeds in food wastes and biosolids during vermicomposting. To assess the degree and timing of suppression of human pathogens in food wastes and biosolids during vermicomposting. If wide-spread and significant suppression of plant pests and diseases by vermicomposts and reductions of human pathogens and weed seeds can be achieved by vermicomposting, this would provide a major boost to marketing vermicomposts and ensure their general public and horticultural acceptance.