Back

EM Fermented Plant Extract and EM5 for Controlling Pickleworm (Diaphania nitidalis) in Organic Cucumber

M. T. Wood¹, R. Miles¹ and P. Tabora²

School of Natural Resources, University of Missouri, USA¹ and
EARTH University, Limon, Costa Rica²

Full Paper (PDF File: 80KB)

Abstract

Diaphania nitidalis is a serious pest of cucumber and other vegetables of the Cucurbitaceae family. The conventional control of this pest calls for excessive use of chemicals which pollute both product and environment.
Field studies were undertaken in Costa Rica to develop integrated pest management programs for cucumber using EM plant extract in combination with EM5 with adequate controls for comparison. The incidence of disease and pest damage by the pickle worm was significantly lowered by foliar applications of EM fermented plant extract in combination with EM5. The potential use of EM for pest management while enhancing yields in cucumber is presented.