From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Connecticut

I have done some research this past growing season that I presented on a scientific poster at the Niagara Convention.

The main objective was to compare active and passive forms of aeration to see if there was a difference in their respective ability to suppress powdery mildew. Based on my field trials there was a distinct difference.

I have allowed Team-Pumpkin to post this data for everyone to see. You will find both my scientific poster and a more grower oriented slide show by simply going to...

www.Team-Pumpkin.org

and scroll down to the section labeled: "THE" question everyone wants to know about, to go directly to the compost tea research, but feel free to check out the other sections.

I am interested in comments you may have.

3/19/2008 9:28:58 PM

President - GPC

Wow,

Now this is great stuff, you have done a great job!

3/20/2008 9:40:05 AM

Atlanta, Georgia

Hey Matt,
Thanks for the information.
Do you know if the same type of test has been done without the use of milk?
Also, in your conclusion it recommends the use of Yucca extract. Is this only for the tea application or also for the milk?
Best regards,
Michel White

3/20/2008 12:02:55 PM

Seattle, WA

Matt,

What were you brewing the tea in? Did you do any testing of the tea itself to check for all the beneficial microorganisms?

We also experimented with Serenade and found it had a negative effect on the biology in our teas.

Lastly, I haven't tried the milk, but Dr. Ingham has stated that Yucca extract is not neccessary as a surfactant, as the biology (bacteria) produce a glue that allows them to stick to the leaf surface. It's not detrimental to use, but according to posts I've read from her, it's not neccessary.

~Tad

3/20/2008 12:44:46 PM

Seattle, WA

Oh, and I forgot to say, "Thanks for sharing!" :-)

3/20/2008 12:45:12 PM

Owensboro, Ky.

Matt, thanks for all the work, and for putting together a study that was easy for us nu-B's to understand!!! One question?? How bout a control, w/milk w/o tea?? Peace, Wayne

3/20/2008 3:04:03 PM

Owensboro, Ky.

Or w/tea into soil and milk as a foliar? Peace, Wayne

3/20/2008 3:04:57 PM

Ontario, Canada.

Matt, That was an absolutely fantastic read. You've done a wonderful job. Thanks.

Russ Landry

3/20/2008 5:49:19 PM

Connecticut

Thanks for your comments.

Michel-
Some studies have been done with just compost tea, but results can have more variation. The milk itself can suppress Powdery Mildew. However I chose to do both so that I could hopefully get an additive effect.
I would also like to do just a milk spray and just a compost tea spray this year, but it will depend on how much space I am allowed to plant in.
The article I read suggested Yucca in the compost tea they were using. However, adding it to the milk sounds interesting. (But I do not have data to back either idea.)
I did not want to add to many variables to my study and this was the reason I chose not to use Yucca.

Tad12-
I did not test the tea I was using for number of microorganisms. Dr. Linderman said during his talk in Niagara this year that the number is not necessarily as important as the basic function of the organisms you brew.
What I was interested in is... given the same ingredients does the method of aeration change the final brews ability to suppress powdery mildew.
So, based on my results I would say that adding air does create a more favorable environment for certain microorganisms that have a greater ability to suppress powdery mildew.

Peace, Wayne-
I would like to do the control treatments you suggested if I can get the space to grow in.
Adding tea to the soil I think is a good idea, but I was just looking at powdery mildew. You could over apply the compost tea to the leaves and this would cause some to run-off and in effect you would be applying it to both the soil and leaves. However, I would make sure you try and apply the compost tea during periods of low light to try and increase the survival rate of the organisms.

Keep the questions coming.

3/21/2008 6:59:08 PM

Macomb County

Read "Growing" at http://www.bigporchpumpkins.com/

4/3/2008 3:05:55 AM