Effects of soil treatments on the survival of soil microorganisms.

In biological control studies of plant-parasitic nematodes in field soil improved methods are needed for reducing or eliminating specific soil inhabiting microorganisms. Microwave heating of soil decreases soilborne fungi and bacteria, but not Pasteuria spp. Bacterial and fungal colony forming units were reduced to nondetectable levels in microwaved heated field soft (650 watts) at 5.2% moisture when treated for 6 minutes and 4 minutes, respectively.