 |
|
Mustard - hot stuff for natural pest control
July 28, 2008Researchers, growers and Industry specialists from 22 countries will share the latest research into the use of Brassica species, such as mustard, radish, or rapeseed, to manage soil-borne pests and weeds - a technique known as biofumigation.
"Brassica plants naturally release compounds that suppress pests and pathogens, principally isothiocyanates (ITCs), which most people would recognise as the 'hot' flavour in mustard or horseradish," says CSIRO's Dr John Kirkegaard, the conference convenor.
"When ITCs are released in soil by green-manuring, soil-borne pests and pathogens can be suppressed and the yields of solanaceous vegetables such as potatoes, tomatoes and eggplants can be increased by up to 40 per cent in some cases.
"The technique is relevant to developed countries seeking alternatives to banned synthetic pesticides such as methyl-bromide, as well as poor farmers in developing countries who often have few alternatives for controlling serious diseases in their crops," Dr Kirkegaard says.
"It can provide economic and social benefits, as improved crop yields lead to increased incomes, as well as a range of environmental and health benefits from a reduced reliance on fumigants and pesticides."
Using brassicas to manage soil-borne pests is not new, but modern science is providing new insights and techniques to enhance the reliability of the effect as part of an integrated pest control strategy. Brassicas can also provide other benefits to the soil as green manures.
Australian scientists are at the forefront of this area of research, in projects on tropical vegetable production systems in north Queensland and the Philippines, supported by the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR), and on temperate southern Australian vegetable production, supported by Horticulture Australia Limited (HAL) using voluntary contributions from industry and matched funding from the Australian Government.
The Symposium will consist of three days of scientific and Industry presentations designed to stimulate discussions about the underpinning science, as well as the practical application of biofumigation technology in Australia and worldwide.
"The Symposium is an excellent opportunity to draw together the latest research on the subject from around the globe," Dr Kirkegaard says.
CSIRO
"The technique is relevant to developed countries seeking alternatives to banned synthetic pesticides such as methyl-bromide, as well as poor farmers in developing countries who often have few alternatives for controlling serious diseases in their crops," Dr Kirkegaard says.
"It can provide economic and social benefits, as improved crop yields lead to increased incomes, as well as a range of environmental and health benefits from a reduced reliance on fumigants and pesticides."
Using brassicas to manage soil-borne pests is not new, but modern science is providing new insights and techniques to enhance the reliability of the effect as part of an integrated pest control strategy. Brassicas can also provide other benefits to the soil as green manures.
Australian scientists are at the forefront of this area of research, in projects on tropical vegetable production systems in north Queensland and the Philippines, supported by the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR), and on temperate southern Australian vegetable production, supported by Horticulture Australia Limited (HAL) using voluntary contributions from industry and matched funding from the Australian Government.
The Symposium will consist of three days of scientific and Industry presentations designed to stimulate discussions about the underpinning science, as well as the practical application of biofumigation technology in Australia and worldwide.
"The Symposium is an excellent opportunity to draw together the latest research on the subject from around the globe," Dr Kirkegaard says.
CSIRO
Mustard Current Events and Mustard News RSSCommon weed could provide clues on aging and cancer
A common weed and human cancer cells could provide some very uncommon details about DNA structure and its relationship with telomeres and how they affect cellular aging and cancer, according to a team led by scientists from Texas A&M University and the University of Cincinnati (UC).
Brown Scientists Announce Finding of Water on the Moon
Brown University scientists have made a major discovery: The moon has distinct signatures of water. The discovery came from a paper published in Science detailing findings from the Moon Mineralogy Mapper (M3), a NASA instrument aboard the Indian spacecraft Chandrayaan-1. Carle Pieters, professor of geological sciences at Brown, is the principal investigator of the M3 instrument and the lead author of the Science paper.
Plants on steroids: Key missing link discovered
Researchers at the Carnegie Institution's Department of Plant Biology have discovered a key missing link in the so-called signaling pathway for plant steroid hormones (brassinosteroids).
Over time, an invasive plant loses its toxic edge
Like most invasive plants introduced to the U.S. from Europe and other places, garlic mustard first found it easy to dominate the natives. A new study indicates that eventually, however, its primary weapon - a fungus-killing toxin injected into the soil - becomes less potent.
Prairie dogs: influencing the accumulation of metals in plants?
Prairie dogs may seem like harmless little creatures, but they can inflict serious injury on plants simply by snacking on them. Plants cannot flee from their furry predators, so how do they avoid becoming a prairie dog's lunch?
Midget plant gets makeover
A tiny plant with a long name (Arabidopsis thaliana) helps researchers from over 120 countries learn how to design new crops to help meet increasing demands for food, biofuels, industrial materials, and new medicines.
ISU researcher identifies genetic pathway responsible for much of plant growth
Researchers at Iowa State University have discovered a previously unknown pathway in plant cells that regulates plant growth.
Researchers discover primer to plant defense system
By identifying a novel compound that primes a plant's immune system, researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory and the University of Chicago may be on a path to developing disease-resistant plants.
Diabetics on high-fiber diets might need extra calcium, report UT Southwestern researchers
The amount of calcium your body absorbs might depend, in part, on the amount of dietary fiber you consume.
University of Alberta and NINT researchers make solar energy breakthrough
The University of Alberta and the National Research Council's National Institute (NINT) for Nanotechnology have engineered an approach that is leading to improved performance of plastic solar cells (hybrid organic solar cells).
More Mustard Current Events and Mustard News Articles
 |
Colman's Original English Prepared Mustard 3.53 oz (Pack of 6) by Colman's Colman's Original English Prepared Mustard 3.53 oz |
 |
Colman's Dry Mustard 4-Ounce Tins (Pack of 4) by Colman's Colman's Dry Mustard 4oz |
 |
Inglehoffer Stone Ground Mustard, 10-Ounce Squeezable Bottles (Pack of 6) by Inglehoffer |
 |
Gourmet Mustards: The How-To's of Making and Cooking With Mustards (Creative Cooking Series) by Helene Sawyer (Author), Cheryl Long (Author) Gourmet Mustards is a classic favorite for making and cooking with mustards. Now in its 9th printing, it has been redesigned, revised and expanded to include 27 new recipes, more rubs, butters, sauces, vegetable and salad recipes. With a diet-conscious emphasis: Lo-Cal indicators and counts for calories, protein, fat, cholesterol and sodium for Lo-Cal recipes. Clear and easy instructions -- no special equipment needed. Try the new: Creole Remoulade Sauce, Hot Stuffed Artichokes and Parmesan Dressing. Plus old favorites like Champagne Mustard, Sesame Broccoli and Curry Mustard Fish Fillets. Perfect for gift-giving, especially now when people are seeking even more meaningful ways to say they care. Make a decorated basket featuring a jar of special mustard, favorite... |
 |
Pommery Moutarde de Meaux 17oz by Pommery Brillat-Savarin, the Father of French cuisine, stated that this is "the mustard of gourmets" Use in vinaigrettes, on veal, lamb or roasts. Perfect for mustard chicken recipes or slathered on a fresh baguette topped with ham. |
 |
Westbrae Natural Stoneground Mustard, Salt-free, 8 Ounce Bottle (Pack of 12) by Westbrae Westbrae Natural Stoneground Mustard, Salt-Free, 8-Ounce Bottles (Pack of 12) |
 |
Woeber's Sandwich Pal Jalapeno Mustard, Six 16-Ounce Units (96-Ounces) by Woeber Stone ground with real jalapeno peppers. |
 |
French's Classic Yellow Mustard - 2/30 oz. by French's Overview An American favorite. All natural product Great recipes online Great for large gatherings |
 |
The Incredible Secrets of Mustard: The Quintessential Guide to the History, Lore, Varieties, and Benefits by Marie Nadine Antol (Author) Mustard, long known to add taste and improve digestion, has also been discovered to help metabolize fat. This book reveals mustard's origins, teaches how to cultivate the plant, and includes recipes. |
 |
French's Sweet & Zesty Mustard: 12 OZ Squeeze by French's The latest flavor in our line, French's Sweet 'n Zesty Mustard has a delicious, balanced taste that's perfect for sandwiches and great for dipping. This delicious, low calorie, low fat, all-natural flavored mustard combines America's best- FRENCH'S Classic Yellow with the sweetness of real onions and serves up a taste that enhances all your favorite foods. 12OZ. (340g) |
| © 2009 BrightSurf.com |