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| Publication Type:
| Report |
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| Content Type: | Abstract or Summary only |
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| Author(s): | Unruh, J. B. |
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| Author Affiliation: | Department of Environmental Horticulture, University of Florida, West Florida Research and Education Center - Milton Campus, Milton, FL |
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| Title: | Use of corn gluten meal as a "natural" herbicide |
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| Meeting Info.: | 51st Annual Meeting, Birmingham, AL, January 26-28, 1998 |
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| Source: | Southern Weed Science Society Proceedings. Vol. 51, 1998, p. 85-86. |
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| Publishing Information: | Champaign, IL: Southern Weed Science Society. |
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| # of Pages: | 2 |
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| Keywords: | TIC Keywords: Corn gluten meal; Weed control; Fertilization; Application timing; Mode of action; Digitaria
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| Abstract/Contents: | "In 1986, an Iowa State University research project involving food-upgrade corn meal as a growth media for Pythium fungi produced some observations that have led to multiple U. S. and International patents of a natural organic product for the preemergence control of weeds. The objective of this work was to establish this fungus in the soil of a newly constructed putting green and then to observe the effects of this pathogen on creeping bentgrass (Agrostis palustris) seeded on the infested soil. Under laboratory conditions, the Pythium was cultured on corn meal and then taken to the field area where it was placed on the soil surface and rototilled into a 3 to 4 inch depth of soil. Along with the inoculated corn meal plots, plots of the same size were treated with fresh, non-inoculated corn meal. A third 'control' plot to which no corn meal was supplied was also established. The attempt to establish Pythium was unsuccessful and germination occurred in the Pythium-treated plots and the untreated control plots. Seeds sowed in plots receiving the fresh corn meal, however, had greatly reduced germination rates. The reason for this inhibition was uncertain and the possibility that some type of organic compound contained in the fresh corn meal, and was destroyed by the activity of the fungal organism in the inoculated corn meal, was considered. To test this hypothesis, four components of corn grain [starch, germ, fiber, corn gluten meal (CGM) (protein fraction)] were obtained and applied to pots of soil seeded with creeping bentgrass. The results of these greenhouse trails showed that the inhibitory substance was clearly in the protein fraction, the CGM. Close observations revealed that the shoot formed normally in all pots, however root formation was greatly inhibited. CGM is a 60% corn protein material that is approximately 10% nitrogen by weight and it is produced as a fine, yellow powder, and can be pelletized easily for better soil application. It is a byproduct of the wet-milling process and is sold as a feed material for cattle, poultry, and several other species of livestock. It is also used for fish food in commercial fish production and is a primary constituent of some dog food products. Field studies and subsequent greenhouse trials have revealed that CGM can inhibit the establishment of a variety of both monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous species, including crabgrass (Digitaria spp.) and simultaneously serve as a fertilizer for mature grasses. These studies led to the idea that the material could be used as a natural 'weed and feed' product for lawns and other turf areas, as well as for garden and other crop productions systems where weeds are a problem. A patent was applied for on this concept in 1989 and U. S. Patent 5,030,268, titled Preemergence Weed Control Using Corn Gluten Meal, was issued to Dr. Nick Christians in 1991. Current recommendations state that application of 20 lbs product/1,000 sq. ft. will reduce crabgrass infestation in Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis) turf by 50 to 60% in the first year. As rates are increased, almost total control can be achieved if the timing is optimal. Non-optimal timing can result in increased weed incidence; probably associated with the nutrient contribution from the CGM. Repeat applications to the same area in subsequent years, however, will result in greater efficacy. The mechanism of weed control centers on the growth regulating, inhibition of root formation at the time of germination. It has been observed that if the soil surface remains wet during the germination period, affected plants may recover and resume rooting. A short drying period is needed for the death of weed seedlings during the critical time when no root system has formed. Consequently, the efficacy of CGM in regions that have higher levels of rainfall, or frequent, late afternoon thunderstorms, needs to be determined. CGM evaluations on the sandy soils of Florida, during an excessively wet spring of 1997, showed that 10 lbs product/1,000 sq. ft. provided better than 70% control of crabgrass 6 weeks after treatment (WAT) dropping to 55% at 11 WAT. Twenty and 40 lbs product/1,000 sq. ft. provided control levels less than the 10 lb rate. Prodiamine (Barricade) at 0.5 lb a.i./A provided 85 and 95% control at 6 and 11 WAT, respectively. These results show that CGM may be an effective natural weed control product in Southern regions. For CGM to be seriously considered as a preemergence weed control option in the Southern United States, additional work on determining optimum rates and timings must be continued." |
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| Language: | English |
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| References: | 0 |
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| Note: | This item is an abstract only! |
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| ASA/CSSA/SSSA Citation (Crop Science-Like - may be incomplete):
Unruh, J. B. 1998. Use of corn gluten meal as a "natural" herbicide. South. Weed Sci. Soc. Proc. 51:p. 85-86. |
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MSU catalog number: SB 611 .S6 v.51 |
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