Termite "juice" and NSF experiments in Spartanburg

Transcription

1 On 11/04/ :16 PM, wrote: Jeff Bargiel drove all the way from Cleveland, Ohio, on Oct. 30 to conduct research on a possible organic treatment for killing non-native invasives with an altogether new approach. Funded for two years by the National Science Foundation, Jeff is seeking to find out whether enzymes from termites might be used to kill kudzu. Jeff found us--the Tree Coalition--through our kudzu website which Dr. Lou Adams built and posted for ten or so years when we were experimenting with non-herbicidal methods for killing kudzu. Jeff ed us asking if we would assist him in testing a new approach for stopping kudzu. As we got to know each other from afar, we sent him our list of the 10 most wanted invasives here in Spartanburg. With that in hand, the research project expanded to include all ten plus Leatherleaf Mahonia. He conducted several hundred tests Monday through Wednesday. Many of the tests involved drilling a hole in the stem of the plant--here a Tree of Heaven. [Continued on next page... ] 1 of 7 11/05/ :25 AM

2 After which he injected "Liquid Termite(r)", said to be organic, non-toxic, fast acting, and targeted. What is this liquid termite? "No," Jeff jokes, "we don't have a termite farm where they milk termites. Dr. Michael Scharf, a professor at Purdue University and Orkin Chair of Entomology, has studied termite digestion. Through use of vats and yeast, they can now produce enzymes that break down cellulose much like termites." We kid Jeff by telling him that if this line of research does not prove successful, he can turn those vats and yeast into making beer. The liquid termite--sometimes called termite spit--is not alive, cannot reproduce, and is harmless to humans. It is safe enough to drink. We didn't. [Continued on next page... ] 2 of 7 11/05/ :25 AM

3 So does it work? Preliminary tests in Cleveland suggest that it can. During our three days of working together Jeff performed several hundred tests--mostly of the injection protocol. He was particularly happy to be able to try the enzymes on so many different invasive plants in such a short time. For example, we spotted several Tree of Heaven south of Carolina Alliance bank and went to work. One was cut and the stump then painted... 3 of 7 11/05/ :25 AM

4 ... one was injected at the base and one injected in a limb about four feet above the ground. 4 of 7 11/05/ :25 AM

5 English ivy was flourishing at this location so we tested both injection and dripping the Liquid Termite on cut vines. Jeff was delighted to have our support. We appreciate the participation of these volunteers and contract workers.. 5 of 7 11/05/ :25 AM

6 We pointed out all eleven invasives and he performed 10 to 50 tests on each one. Note the pink ribbons which identify where kudzu vines were injected. Basal spray was tested on small, tender plants--here on Tree of Heaven. Jeff is CEO of a company called EntoBio. His "Liquid Termite" is not available for sale. This is preliminary, screening research and no one knows whether it will work at all, or if so which invasives are appropriate, which treatment, or what concentration to use if it does work. 6 of 7 11/05/ :25 AM

7 We should not get our hopes up too high. Most research fails. Failures lead to new thinking and improved approaches. Some species will not be impacted and some protocols will not work. This is what researchers must expect. We are honored that Jeff brought his National Science Foundation funded research to Spartanburg. We are a bit embarrassed that we have so many invasive bad guys but maybe someday this research will be of help here in Spartanburg and throughout the world.. It is a joy that we are able to contribute in this small way toward the advancement of science--particularly in killing invasives without toxic chemicals. There are some preliminary indications that a few of these tests are having an effect. Jeff will be back in a month or so to make follow-up observations. If you would like to meet Jeff and participate when he returns, please let me know by . Trees Coalition 7 of 7 11/05/ :25 AM