Seaweed to the rescue: a green solution to nematode control!
CWSF · 2026 Agriculture, Fisheries & Food Bronze Medal
Overview
After moving to Nova Scotia, I noticed a lot of seaweed along the beaches. It would wash up in large piles, start to decay, and attract flies. At first, it seemed like waste, and I wondered why it was there. My curiosity grew when I visited Dalhousie University’s Agricultural Campus during a community event. I learned that seaweed is useful, especially in farming. This inspired me to learn more. During my research, I found that tiny worms called nematodes can damage crops and cause major problems for farmers. Many chemical treatments used to control them are now banned because they can harm the environment. So I started thinking about safer alternatives. I focused on dulse, a type of red seaweed found in the Atlantic. I tested its effects on nematodes and found that it reduced their movement and survival, especially in higher amounts. This shows dulse could be a solution.
Awards (2)
- Bronze Medal
- Selected for CWSF 2026
Competition history
- CWSF 2026
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