Re: [compost_tea] Milk and powdery mildew...
Milk contains lactose, a sugar, and also contains milk proteins.
These can grow quite a number of different microbes. Depends on the other
environmental conditions.
There are quite a few suppositions about what might be the factor
influencing the benefits of applying milk on plant tissues, but I am not aware of any
solid data on the subject.
We have the same discussion about molasses, for example. Milk proteins
could, and does, grow some pathogens, if other conditions are conducive. These
proteins could also grow some suppressive organisms. Depends on conditions.
So, what are the other conditions that have to be met.
Aerobic conditions. pH around 7. Decent set of microbes to make sure that
the beneficials are present, not just the pathogens.
So, for us to know that application of milk will always be beneficial
requires greater understanding of these conditions. Therefore, we need more
studies, more data. Typical scientist response....... grin!
Elaine
Mike asked "WHAT it is in the milk that suppresses the fungus?"
Have the scientists in this list answered this question yet?
Scott
Elaine R. Ingham
Soil Foodweb Inc., Corvallis, Oregon
Soil Foodweb Inc., Port Jefferson, New York
Soil Foodweb Institute, Lismore Australia
Soil Foodweb Institute Cambridge, New Zealand
Laboratorios de Soil Foodweb, Culiacan, Mexico
Soil Foodweb Inc., Jerome, Idaho
Soil Foodweb Inc., South Africa
Received on Tue Mar 01 2005 - 11:01:29 EST
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