380: Biosolarization as a Sustainable Method for Nutsedge Control Using Agricultural Byproducts

Introduction

Biosolarization offers a sustainable approach to valorize agricultural and food processing waste while addressing the agricultural challenge of nutsedge (Cyperus esculentus), a pernicious weed known to significantly reduce crop yields. Nutsedge’s resilient underground tuber systems make it difficult to eliminate, with current control methods heavily dependent on harmful chemical fumigants. This study investigates the efficacy of biosolarization in disinfesting soil infested with nutsedge tubers.

Methods

Experiments were conducted using rice bran (RB) and tomato pomace (TP) as organic amendments under controlled temperature regimens (30/55°C) and (30/40°C) for 14 days.

Results

Results demonstrated that while both biosolarized and solarized treatments effectively inactivated nutsedge tubers, biosolarization was more effective at lower temperatures (30°C and 40°C), where solarization alone showed reduced efficacy.

Significance

These findings highlight biosolarization’s potential as a versatile and resilient method for managing nutsedge infestations, capable of leveraging food processing residues and functioning effectively under variable temperature conditions, even when optimal high-temperature regimens (30/55°C) cannot be achieved.

Authors: Prairva Plepalakon, Tate Channing Lone, Emily Shea, Christopher Simmons