matter which can putrefy and release gasses like
methane and ammonia that are toxic to plants. In
soils lactic acid has the ability to suppress disease-in-
ducing microorganisms including the mold Fusarium,
which occur in continuous cropping programs. Under
normal circumstances, species such as Fusarium
weakens crop plants, exposing the plants to diseases
and increased pest populations such as pathogenic
nematodes. The use of LABs reduces pathogenic
nematode populations and controls propagation and
the spread of Fusarium, thereby creating a better en-
vironment for crop growth.
In soils, these probiotic microbes co-exist with
other benefi cial fungi such as mycorrhizae that are
known to attack several pathogenic fungi including
fusarium, and also become food themselves to other
organisms such as worms. Not only are the organic
acids effective as pathogen controls, so are the bacte-
riocins that are produced. Bacteriocins are specially
designed enzymes that will attack pathogenic organ-
isms, helping the LABs change the environment to es-
tablish them. These are just a few reasons why LABs
are considered the front line of defense for probiotic
farmers.
LABs can be mixed in water and some fertilizer
and applied directly to soils as well as sprayed on
plants throughout the growing cycle. It is best to
apply a probiotic on a regular schedule. For instance,
spray once per week throughout the growing season
and run in irrigation once per week. For best results
on spraying, mix with a sticker/spreader such as cal-
cium lignosulfonate. GG
Eric Lancaster is Executive Vice President of TeraGanix,
Inc., the exclusive North America distributor of the Original
Effective Microorganisms® and EM® Bokashi products. You
can visit their website at TeraGanix.com.
Milwaukee Instruments - Manufacturing A Complete
Line of Growth Media Diagnostic Equipment For
Use In Greenhouses & Hydroponics
See all our Instruments at - www.milwaukeeinstruments.com
30
www.GardenandGreenhouse.net
August 2018