Evaluating the fertilizer and pesticidal value of vermicompost generated from a toxic and allelopathic weed ipomoea

Vermicompost derived exclusively from ipomoea (Ipomoea carnea), a weed notorious for its toxic and allelopathic characteristics, was explored for its potential use as an organic fertilizer. Ipomoea vermicompost (IVC) at four levels (0, 2.5, 3.75, and 5 tonnes/ha) was explored for its effect on the germination, growth and fruition of ladies finger (Abelmoschus esculentus) in appropriately replicated experiments. It was seen that IVC encouraged the germination and growth of ladies finger at all levels of the IVC application, and best results were obtained in 5 t/ha treatments. The positive effect occurred at all stages of A.esculentus cultivation ─ from germination of its seeds to all the vegetative growth phases and the fruit yield. There was also improvement in the quality of fruits in terms of mineral, protein and carbohydrate contents, and reduction in the disease incidence and pest attacks, due to the IVC application. The studies reveal that vermicomposting enables ipomoea to acquire all the qualities of a good organic fertilizer with simultaneous loss of its toxicity and allelopathy. The findings raise hopes that the enormous quantities of ipomoea biomass that is generated across the world, and which presently goes to waste, may become utilizable in producing organic fertilizer. Keywords: Ipomoea, Toxicity, Allelopathy, Vermicomposting, Biofertilizer, Biopesticide