What is the Future for Corn Gluten Meal Based Products for Controlling Weeds?

Abstract

In 2010, we began a number of trials with the objective of evaluating the efficacy of corn gluten meal (CGM) and its liquid derivate (hydrolyzed corngluten meal) as a pre-emergent herbicide. Corn gluten meal is the protein fraction of corn extracted from the wet-milling process and is used mainly for animal feed. Unlike FiestaTM and Organo-solTM, CGM is not a new product on the market. With more cities and provinces in Canada legislating against the utilization of chemical herbicides on sports fields, gardens and home lawns, sports turf managers, citizens and turf care companies are seeking new ways to control turf weeds. This article discusses these challenges and the potential for these alternative weed control products.