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Vermicomposting

heat sterilization treatment

17 years ago

Worm castings and vermicompost are known to have several plant hormones present and I have used them in a medium for superior germination of seeds. However, I was wondering if anyone knows whether prior heat sterilizing in a microwave would also destroy these plant hormones? Thanks--

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Comments (2)

raubuch
17 years ago
Yes, it would. The microwave doesn't discriminate between good and bad microbes.

I wouldn't microwave any compost or worm castings. Not necessary. I even germinate seed in pure vermicomost without any problems.
bstruss
Original Author
17 years ago
Yeah, but I am not talking about microbes, I am talking about plant hormones (auxins, gibberellins, etc in worm castings). I want to use the vermicompost for rooting cuttings and germinating seeds but have had problems with both damping off and other fungus. That is why sterilized medium is always recommended for starting plants. Does this make sense?
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