Cassuarina cunningham, a tree used for windbreaks, serves as a substitute for Equisetum in its anti-fungal role. I don't know if it will work as a sub for the prep.
We have also used large grains, such as wheat, and oats, as green manures and primary materials in compost and mulches to specifically counter Phytophthora in avocados. The theory is that these grains (as well as Equisetum, Cassuarina, and stinging nettle) bind mineral silica organically, and then upon decomposition, realise the organic form (cf. mineral silica as in sand) for uptake by other plants, thereby strengthening cell walls and assisting in fungal resistance. I am planning to grow oats as a green manure this winter on the land which will be planted to spring potatoes to see if I get the same beneficial effect. Stephen Barrow -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]]On Behalf Of [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Sunday, February 24, 2002 11:16 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: BD 508 as inoculant; stinging nettle Equisetum likes pond edges. I have not yet started my own crop but am working on it. Nettles is for weed suppression and flavor enhancement and nitrogen, it is not a sub for equisetum. I buy bulk fromm Bleesed Herb or JPI. sstorch
