| abstract |
A method of controlling soil borne pests and pathogens, e.g., nematodes in which a predisposition material is incorporated in the soil which predisposes the pests or pathogens by weakening their resistance to attack by soil microbes. The predisposing material may be a lignosulfonate or other organic material which penetrates the cuticle of the pests or pathogens and renders them more amenable to attack by soil microbes. Preferably the predisposition material is accompanied by nutrient material such as a sugar, which may be a natural accompaniment of the predisposition material as in the case with lignosulfonates and/or which may be added. Preferably also the predisposition material is accompanied by macronutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus macronutrients, also micronutrients and vitamin/co-factor. |