Pathogen suppression in substrates

Youbin Zheng, University of Guelph; Mike Dixon, University of Guelph; Xiuling Tian, University of Guelph; Mary Jane Clark, University of Guelph; Linping Wang, University of Guelph

Katherine Vinson, University of Guelph Suppressing pathogens in the greenhouse setting was the focus of this study led by Dr. Youbin Zheng. Dr. Zheng selected composted and non-composted organic materials with potential pathogen suppression properties and mixed these materials with other components to form a variety of growing substrates. Pathogenprone ornamental plants such as begonia were then subjected to selected growing substrates. Substrates containing vermicasting or pine bark showed disease suppression, however results were not consistent.

Further reading: Guelph Green Roof Research