current projects
Pulse electricity: a non-chemical approach for the management of nematodes, pathogens, and weeds in nurseries
Soilborne pathogens, diseases, and weeds are major constraints to the production of tree seedlings for the ornamental industry. Failure to control pathogens can result in seedling death or the unintentional distribution of infected nursery stock infected with pathogens. Failure to control weeds can lead to competition with seedlings for water and nutrients. Because soilborne diseases and weeds are increasingly difficult and expensive to manage, the nursery industry has requested non-chemical alternatives for the existing practices.
The objective of this research is to discover new ways to manage soilborne pathogens and weeds that reduce reliance on pesticides and soil fumigants.
In collaboration with LisiGlobal, Inc. (Richland, WA), controlled experiments have been conducted using a directed energy system (DES) to evaluate the application of energy pulses to the soil to suppress nematodes, pathogens, and weed seeds.
Soilborne pathogens, diseases, and weeds are major constraints to the production of tree seedlings for the ornamental industry. Failure to control pathogens can result in seedling death or the unintentional distribution of infected nursery stock infected with pathogens. Failure to control weeds can lead to competition with seedlings for water and nutrients. Because soilborne diseases and weeds are increasingly difficult and expensive to manage, the nursery industry has requested non-chemical alternatives for the existing practices.
The objective of this research is to discover new ways to manage soilborne pathogens and weeds that reduce reliance on pesticides and soil fumigants.
In collaboration with LisiGlobal, Inc. (Richland, WA), controlled experiments have been conducted using a directed energy system (DES) to evaluate the application of energy pulses to the soil to suppress nematodes, pathogens, and weed seeds.