Effects of Aqueous Extracts from Vermicomposts (teas) on Crop Growth and in Suppressing Plant Diseases, Nematodes and Arthropod Pests

This Phase II SBIR project aims at confirming the potential of aqueous extracts (teas) from vermicomposts, in promoting plant growth and suppressing plant diseases, nematodes and pest arthropods. In Phase I research we demonstrated that: (i) microorganisms and plant growth regulators can pass into teas, (ii) aerated vermicompost teas performed better than non-aerated ones, (iii) soil drenches and foliar sprays of vermicompost teas suppressed a range of plant pathogens, (v) drenches of vermicompost teas suppressed the root knot nematode (Meloidogyne hapla) significantly, (vi) soil-applied vermicompost teas suppressed aphid and spider mite attacks. Our Objectives in Phase II research are: Objective 1. An assessment of the effects of vermicompost teas on horticultural crop growth and yields in the greenhouse and field Objective 2. An assessment of the effects of vermicompost teas on the suppression of plant pathogens, plant parasitic nematodes and pest arthropods of horticultural crops in the greenhouse and field. Objective 3. An assessment of the practical and applied aspects of the production, shelf-life, methods, doses and rates of application, and the economics of vermicomposts tea production and use in the greenhouse and field. This research will involve greenhouse and field experiments taking horticultural crops to yields, studies of a much wider range of plant pathogens, parasitic nematodes and arthropod pests an assessment of the shelf-life of vermicompost teas, identification of optimal doses and timings of applications of vermicompost teas and a thorough review of the economics of vermicompost tea production and marketing. This will provide a major innovative boost to OSC business.