Corn gluten meal is a fine powder created as a by-product during a milling process of corn. Although it is often used to feed livestock, it has recently been developed as a natural pre-emergent herbicide in the US. Corn gluten meal acts on germinating seeds, inhibiting the development of the new root. During periods of water stress, the seedlings wilt and die because they do not have an adequate root system. Corn gluten meal must be applied to the soil before weeds germinate in order to be effective. It has been shown to inhibit root formation in dandelions, curled dock, plantain, lamb’s quarters, foxtail, crabgrass, and pigweed. It has no effect upon weeds that have already sprouted and formed a root system.
Corn gluten meal has approximately 60% protein and 10% nitrogen by weight and therefore is a natural source of slow release nitrogen.
* For use in organic systems, the corn gluten meal must not be derived from genetically modified corn. PMRA has granted the temporary registration of a corn gluten meal product for use as a pre-emergence weed seed germination inhibitor for dandelion and smooth crabgrass on established residential laws. The organic status of the product is not determined. This is the only corn gluten meal product registered as a herbicide. Most commercially available products are intended for use as soil fertilizers. |
