Pest suppression with Wormcast ~ Pro
Latest research findings from Professor Clive Edwards, Ohio State University.
Research programme. Ohio State University
- Professor Clive Edwards – Soil Ecology OSU
- He is the leading world expert on earthworms and vermicomposting
- Moved to USA from senior research post at Rothamsted Research Station, Harpenden
- Acts as consultant for ORM Professional Products
- Prof Edwards chaired the USDA Compost Tea Report Task Force
Research programme.at OSU underpins our products
- Research scientists use the generic name vermicompost for earthworm processed organic matter
- and vermicompost tea – a liquid extraction of vermicompost
- ORM Professional Products have developed a range of products for professional growers
- Wormcast ~ Pro – solid growing media addition
- Wormcast Pro ~ Tea – liquid biostimulant
Wormcast ~ Pro Pest suppression
- Extensive glasshouse experiments on the effects of vermicompost mixes on populations of economically important pests were carried out at OSU in 2005 and the results reported in the scientific literature in 2006.
- A range of crop plant subjects were grown in mixes of standard potting compost and vermicompost supplied with all necessary nutrients.
- Infestations of two-spotted spider mites, aphids and mealy bugs were introduced.
- Damage and population numbers were assessed over a number of weeks
- Additional observations were made with cabbage white butterfly caterpillar damage and cucumber beetle
Effects of vermicomposts on arthropod pests
- Sucking pests
- Aphids
- Mealy bugs
- Two spotted spider mites
- Chewing insects
- Caterpillars
- Beetles
Cabbage white butterfly caterpillars.and cucumber beetles
Suppression of two-spotted spider mites by addition of vermicompost
10% vermicompost suppressed two-spotted spider mites significantly
Vermicompost significantly suppressed two-spotted mites over time
Vermicompost suppressed aphid reproduction on cabbage
Significantly reduced aphids on peppers too
Aphid damage to cabbages significantly reduced by addition of vermicompost
20% vermicompost significantly reduced mealy bug numbers on peppers
Significant suppression of mealy bug reproduction with vermicompost
Possible mechanism for pest suppression by vermicompost
- Vermicompost causes plants to become less palatable to sucking pests
- Vermicompost makes nutrients like nitrogen more available and in different forms – this may effect pest feeding behaviour; i.e. they taste horrid!
Conclusion
- Vermicompost had suppressive effects on major horticultural pests
- Vermicomposts significantly decreased pest damage
- Not only did the vermicomposts make the plants less attractive to the pests but they also had considerable effects on pest reproduction over time!