Exotic invasive species are one of the major obstacles to effective and efficient landscape management. Historical methods have proven to be costly and can sometimes lead to unanticipated environmental consequences. Current practices for weed control do not always target and kill the desired amount of weed seedlings. In addition, there is a growing need amongst organic farmers for organic pesticides as synthetic pesticides are forbidden. The scientific literature indicates there is potential for the use of beneficial soil microorganisms (BSM) as a method of weed control for land management. The goal of this research was to quantify the effect of BSM on Fagopyrum esculentum (Japanese buckwheat) over a range of concentrations and soak times. The experimental design included combinations of 4 BSM concentration levels (plus control) and 4 soak times each replicated 3 times for total of 48 replicates. Variables controlled for included BSM concentration, soak time, temperature and light. We hypothesize that BSM will increase the rate of germination to a threshold point after which the F. esculentum would die. Effects were quantified through measures of dry-weight biomass (one word), terminal plant height, seed viability testing, and germination counts.
