Vermiwash

It is another product derived from the coelomic fluid of earthworms. It is a liquid extract produced from vermicompost in a medium where earthworms are richly populated. It comprises a massive decomposer, bacteria count, mucus, vitamins different bioavailable minerals, hormones, enzymes, different antimicrobial peptides etc. Vermiwash is very important in disease control, the mechanism of disease suppression and pest control and to enhance the productivity of the crops, the bioactive macro-molecules from the skin secretion of earthworms, coelomic fluid and mucus directly able to defend pathogenic soil microbes against the worm and thereby freed the environment from the disease. Earthworms establish symbiotic relations with microbes produce an essential product that supports the growth of plants and suppress plant root disease.

Methods to use vermiwash

There are different, but not mutually exclusive, ways of applying compost tea or vermiwash: as root dip/stem dip, soil drench or as a foliar spray.

Root dip/stem dip:

The seedlings before transplanting can be dipped in Vermiwash solution which is diluted 5 times with water for 15-20 minutes and then transplanted. Similarly the cuttings can also be dipped in the solution.

Foliar applications:

• Apply beneficial organisms to plant aboveground surfaces, so disease-causing organisms cannot find infection sites or food resources (i.e., pro-biotic approach).
• Provide nutrients as a foliar feed.

Soil applications:

• Help develop the biological barrier around roots (i.e., pro-biotic approach),
• Provide nutrients for roots to improve plant growth,
• Improve life in the soil in general, with effects on soil structure, water holding, root depth,
• Improve nutrient cycling, nutrient retention and disease-suppressiveness.