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Eden Acres Family Farm

255 Ossipee Hill Road ~ East Waterboro, Maine

Springtime Update: Beneficial Nematodes

May 24, 2017 by Ali Quincannon

NematodesSpring brings rain and warmer temperatures. It also brings pests. So, it’s time to break out the organic measures for controlling tick populations and apple pests. One of our not-so-secret weapons that we use for the orchard is beneficial nematodes. Insects with a pupating or larval stage in the soil become susceptible to the insect-parasitic nematodes. The microscopic worm-like organisms seek out insects to host them as they mature and reproduce, killing the pests in the process. There are several species of nematodes that are parasitic to a variety of pests. We employ a triple threat to broaden the impact on pests such as curculio, apple sawfly, Japanese beetles, ants, and ticks. Timing is of importance when putting them down, however. Soil temperatures need to be above 45 degrees and should be wet since nematodes live in the water-filled pores within the soil. Drought conditions such as last year, could not sustain the nematodes. Thankfully, the abundance of snow this winter and recent rain has aided our efforts.

Bryan felt as though he was spraying magic pixie dust, so he added a brew of nitrogen and other nutrient fixing microbes to the nematode mixture for increasing soil fertility. It’s particularly interesting to note the 1960’s “discovery” of the effective microbes and philosophy of their founder, Dr. Teruo Higa. Dr. Higa’s research focused on combining microbial strains that were not believed to live together in the wild to see which ones could co-exist. All the microorganisms in the formula Dr. Higa created and used at Eden Acres Family Farm co-exist, co-prosper, exchange information, are sustainable, are safe, are efficient, are effective, and service each other. Dr. Higa believed that humans needed to learn from these microbes. We think so too!

What can we learn from beneficial microorganisms?

Symbiotic relationships are essential to our growing and changing world; a balance that can only be achieved by working together. What contributions are you currently making, or can offer to your community, to co-create a more prosperous culture?

One Love,

Ali

 

References:

http://articles.extension.org/pages/24726/soil-nematodes-in-organic-farming-systems

http://www.teraganix.com/Effective-Microorganisms-History-and-Availability-s/194.htm

 

Filed Under: Ali's Blog Tagged With: apple blossoms, beneficial nematodes, maine apples, microorganisms, organic apples, spring orchard

Where to find us:

***2024 SEASON***

Last Saturday of each Month thru Oct     8:30 AM – 12:30 PM @ Gorham Farmer’s Market – Directions

FARM & FARM STAND are Closed for 2024. We will update on social media if we have anything available for this season.

Follow on FB/IG to see current status, or call ahead of traveling 808-0760.

 

 

RAW SWEET CIDER – Never pasteurized or UV treated. Only available from the farmer, not sold in stores. While supplies last!

APPLE WOOD CHIPS freshly cut organic apple wood chips that are perfect for smoking your favorite foods.

QUINCANNON APPLE CIDER VINEGAR organic, raw, and with the Mother. 5% acidity. Clean tasting, premium quality from our own organic heirloom apples.

And check out a variety of body and skin care products with organic skin nourishing ingredients!

***WE DO NOT OFFER PYO***
As stewards of a carefully balanced ecosystem, we offer a tasting experience featuring 30+ varieties of organic heirloom apples!

Eden Acres

255 Ossipee Hill Road
East Waterboro, Maine 04030
(207) 808-0760

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Contact Us: Bryan Quincannon, Owner and Orchardist · (207) 200-7473
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