
Red Plastic Mulch Thwarts
NematodesBy Sean
Adams October 3, 1997Tomato plants grown with red plastic mulch ward off root-munching
nematodes better than plants grown on black plastic mulch. That means higher yields for gardeners and farmers. In field
studies in Florence, S.C., Agricultural
Research Service scientists say red-mulched plants grown in
nematode-infested soil produced 17 pounds of tomatoes. That was more than
double the 8 pounds of tomatoes produced by plants grown with traditional black
plastic mulch on infested soil. According to the scientists--Michael J. Kasperbauer and Patrick
Hunt of ARS and Clemson Universitynematologist Bruce Fortnum--this was the first field study documenting that red
mulch suppresses damage from the root-dwelling nematodes. The finding is timely
because of the impending ban on methyl bromide, the fumigant used to treat the
soil to kill nematodes. The scientists are not certain how the red mulch helps tomato
plants fight off nematodes. But the reason could be a "tug of war" between the
mulch and the nematodes. According to Kasperbauer, red mulch reflects
wavelengths of light that cause the plant to keep more growth above ground,
which results in greater yield. Meanwhile, the plant puts less energy into its
root system--the nematode's food supply. ARS has filed a patent on the mulch and is working cooperatively
with Sonoco Products, Inc., of Hartsville, S.C., to develop improved plastic
mulches. Ken-Bar, Inc., of Reading, Mass., sells the mulch directly and through
a number of supply stores and catalogues. A story on the red mulch research is available in Agricultural
Research magazine on the World Wide Web at: http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/AR/archive/oct97/mulch1097.htm Scientific contact: Michael J. Kasperbauer, ARS
Coastal Plains Soil, Water and Plant
Research Laboratory, 2611 West Lucas Street, Florence, SC 29501-1242, phone
(803) 669-5203, fax (803) 669-6970,[email protected]. Story contacts Patrick G Hunt Sean T Adams U.S. Department of Agriculture | |