A sustainable approach for weed and soil-borne pathogen management in plasticulture.

An in-depth look at Anaerobic Soil Disinfestation (ASD), an emerging non-chemical strategy for managing weeds and soil-borne pathogens in plasticulture systems.

La Trobe are pleased to welcome Associate Professor Matthew Cutulle (Clemson University, USA), a leading expert in weed science, who will share insights into the application and potential of ASD in horticultural production.

ASD works by incorporating a carbon source into soil, irrigating to field capacity, and covering the soil to create anaerobic conditions that suppress weeds and pathogens. As pressure grows to reduce reliance on chemical control, ASD is gaining attention as a practical and scalable alternative.

At LISAF, part of La Trobe University, Dr Ali Bajwa leads the Hort Frontiers program “Next Generation Weed Management”. The project is focused on evaluating the performance of ASD in Australian plasticulture systems. The project integrates field surveys, controlled environment and field trials, and industry engagement to optimise the technique and support adoption, in collaboration with Northern Territory Department of Agriculture & Fisheries and Clemson University.

Who should attend:
Growers, agronomists, and industry professionals working in plasticulture systems producing crops such as strawberries, vegetables, and melons, along with researchers, extension officers, and consultants exploring non-chemical weed management approaches.

The session will run for 1 hour, followed by 20 to 30 minutes of Q&A.