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| http://images.sciencedaily.com/2014/03/140325133548-large.jpg |
Pulling weeds
out from your lawn can be a hassle and they always seem to grow back no matter
how many times you pull them or even if you spray them, the spray can also be
harmful. But researchers have now discovered that some microbes in the soil can
actually prevent certain weeds from growing by having a microbial community in
the roots that will kill the ragweed. Lead researcher was microbial ecologist
Tony Yannarell from the University of Illinois, used high-power DNA
fingerprinting tools to study all the microbes in the soil, by doing this he
was able to identify those microbes that both preferred ragweed and
affected its growth. Throughout the year we have been learning about microbes
that have a symbiotic relationship with plants, but now they discover some of
these relationships are parasitic. Although one might think that it is as
simple as adding anti-ragweed microbes to the soil to prevent the weeds from
growing but its not, Yannarell said “adding microbes
to soil hasn't been successful in the past” so it is a bit more complicated. In
order to be able to grow colonies of microbes that prevent ragweeds from
growing there has to be certain types of other plants that have those microbes
in the roots. This study yielded some interesting results but it looks like
they have to study the microbes in order to better understand them and to be
able to use them as a weed-suppressant. This article was really interesting and
if the researchers were able to develop these anti-ragweed microbes then it
would be very beneficial because it would eliminate the need for harmful
sprays. One thing that the article could have changed is actually mentioning
what microbes that they studied, this would give us a better insight and help
us better understand it.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/03/140325133548.htm
Angelo, this article was very interesting the fact that there are natural weed killers. This microbes are parasitic for weeds but would they be parasitic to humans or to plants that humans and animals rely on to survive? I think this study could open many doors of possibilities for agricultural reasons. Farmers and crop growers could benefit from introducing natural weed killers into their fields because it eliminates the need for harsh chemicals. I think more research might need to be done to see if there are any long term affects from introducing natural weed killers to crops. Scientists will also need to find out if there needs to be a balance between how much weed killing bacteria they introduce into crops. They do not want the parasitic bacteria out growing the good crops. I am really glad that I took this microbial class because microbes are everywhere and it will help me not only with my own health but with every aspect of my life.
ReplyDeleteVery interesting blog! I never thought of microbes that would be able to kill weeds! This would have been a great find, early in my childhood, when I had to pull weeds at my family’s house! Like you said at the end of your blog, it would have been great if they actually mentioned what microbes they were studying. Is it common microbes that are found in our own human microbiome or just microbes in the air? Another question that comes to mind is, can certain microbes kill plants that you want to grow? Say you have weeds growing in your garden, right next to your strawberries; can these microbes that kill or prevent those weeds from growing also harm your strawberries? Like you said, it seems as if this study needs more looking into and digging. (No pun intended) Anyways, like you said if researchers find a way to prevent these weeds from growing without the help of harmful sprays, it definitely can be for the better.
ReplyDelete-Angelo V.
Weed-killing microbes sounds like a great idea to me! If scientists continue to do research on this and find a way to use microbes to prevent weed growth, that would be a great advance in science because it would eliminate the need to use harmful chemicals. I can't imagine how great this would be because I persinally HATE pullibg weeds and trying to kill them with chemical sprays is pointless because they seem to grow back faster each time you do it. I wonder if the microbes that the researchers studied kill or affect the growth of other plants around weeds that we wouldn't want to harm.
ReplyDeleteI dont know how many weeds ive pulled in my life from yardwork to jobs. This would be beneficial to all sorts of people! There would be no need for harmful weed killers. So what kind of plants would people have to grow in order to get these weed killing microbes? Are they a flower, so you can grow it in a garden? Im sure this study is fairly new and more research will come. It may take some time to figure it all out, but it will be amazing. Good blog!
ReplyDeleteThis is not the first time I've heard about this subject! I always say how I'm completely for anything natural. This sounds like a great alternative to the harsh chemicals that are in weed killer today. I can't think of anybody who ENJOYS pulling weeds so if this study takes off I think it will be really successful! As with most of these studies, it will take time - but it is definitely not something that should go unnoticed!
ReplyDeleteYou really found a topic that sparked a lot of interest. To all the people who commented--you raised some great questions! I've not seen this study so I found it very interesting.
ReplyDelete