Corn gluten meal
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Corn gluten meal (often simply called CGM) is a byproduct of corn (maize) processing that has historically been used as an animal feed. In 1985, Dr. Nick Christians of Iowa State University, discovered that CGM displayed pre-emergent herbicidal effects during a series of turf grass experiments.[1] The use of corn gluten meal as an herbicide was patented in 1991,[1] but, like many food-related substances used for gardening, is not regulated in the US.[2]
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[edit] Uses
CGM targets a range of plants include small-seeded annual and perennial herbs. It is most frequently used in lawns[3], but may be applied to gardens and fields as well.
The corn gluten meal breaks down over time as an organic nitrogen source (NPK value of 10-0-0).[4]
[edit] Action
Proteins in CGM inhibit root formation on newly-germinated seeds, killing the plant. Applications must be timed so that the CGM is present and effective as seeds are germinating.
[edit] Application
Applied using a spreader or even by hand: the material is essentially harmless if not inhaled, and is, in fact, edible (though not particularly palatable).
On lawns, CGM is applied in early spring (usually timed phenologically by the blooming of Crocus or Forsythia, and again in the autumn. If the lawn is overseeded, CGM should either be applied at least 6 weeks before sowing, or 2 weeks afterwards.
[edit] Precautions
Very safe to use, non-toxic[3]. Should not be applied to areas where it's likely to wash directly into watersheds (it is a nitrogen source), but otherwise ecologically safe.
[edit] Resistance
Large-seeded weeds seem unaffected.
[edit] Affected species
Testing for affected species is ongoing, but confirmed species include[5][6][4]:
- Velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti)
- Creeping bentgrass (Agrostis palustris)
- Redroot pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexus)
- Common lambsquarters (Chenopodium album)
- Orchard grass (Dactylis glomerata)
- Smooth crabgrass (Digitaria ischaemum)
- Large crabgrass (Digitaria sanguinalis)
- Barnyardgrass (Echinochloa crusgalli)
- Couch Grass (Elytrigia repens)
- Wooly cupgrass (Eriochloa villosa)
- Catchweed, Bedstraw, Goosegrass (Galium aparine)
- Perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne)
- Black medic (Medicago lupulina)
- Annual bluegrass (Poa annua)
- Buckhorn Plantain (Plantago lanceolata)
- Purslane (Portulaca oleracea)
- Curly dock (Rumex crispus)
- Giant foxtail (Setaria faberi)
- Yellow foxtail (Setaria lutescens)
- Green foxtail (Setaria viridis)
- Black nightshade (Solanum nigrum)
- Shattercane (Sorghum bicolor)
- Dandelions (Taraxacum spp.)
[edit] References
- ^ a b Corn Gluten Meal Research Page. Iowa State University of Science and Technology. Retrieved on 2008-05-24.
- ^ Environmental Protection Agency (1996-03-06). "Exemption of Certain Pesticide Substances From Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act Requirements". Federal Register 61 (45): 8876-8879.
- ^ a b EPA Fact Sheet. Retrieved on 2006-12-09.
- ^ a b Turf:Corn Gluten Meal. Retrieved on 2006-12-09.
- ^ CNRS abstract (greenhouse tests). Retrieved on 2006-12-09.
- ^ CNRS abstract (field tests). Retrieved on 2006-12-09.
