In the Ground

Associate Dean for Research Walter Bowen introduced a meeting hosted by Koon-Hui Wang (Department of Plant and Environmental Protection Sciences) on her multistate project on “Plant-Parasitic Nematode Management as a Component of Sustainable Soil Health Programs in Horticultural and Field Crop Production Systems,” held October 17th through the 19^th at UH. Participants came from California, Connecticut, Florida, Michigan, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Vermont, and West Virginia to discuss research and outreach activities relating to plant-parasitic nematode management and soil health enhancement through cover cropping, compost amendment, and animal grazing.

Parasitic nematodes, microscopic roundworms, are highly damaging soil-borne pests that can have significant economic impact on crops. Koon-Hui researches integrated pest management systems that can help instead of hurt the soil they live in and allow plants to thrive.