Hydroponics for growing weed (actual weeds!)

In this episode Dr. Sharp explores the unusual topic of growing weeds — specifically black grass — using hydroponics.

Key Points:

• Why Grow Black Grass?

  • Black grass is the #1 arable weed in the UK, especially harmful to cereal crops like wheat and barley.

  • It’s resistant to herbicides and there are no GM crops in the UK to help control it.

  • Public is unaware of its impact because it doesn't affect home gardens — unlike more well-known weeds like Japanese knotweed.

• Eutrema’s Approach:

  • Dr. Sharp’s company, Eutrema, is developing biological control methods using naturally occurring mildew and rust pathogens.

  • These fungi stunt black grass growth (rather than kill it), allowing cereal crops to outcompete it.

  • Their pathogens are highly specific (forma specialis) and pose no risk to other crops.

• Why Hydroponics?

  • Black grass is difficult to grow in greenhouses and standard compost due to pests and diseases like “take-all.”

  • Hydroponics allows for clean, controlled growth, eliminating many variables.

  • They use NFT systems (nutrient film technique) for better consistency and plant health.

• Challenges in Growing Black Grass:

  • It’s tough to germinate and cultivate due to its seed structure and sensitivity.

  • Silicon is crucial in their nutrient mix because grasses like black grass accumulate high levels of silicon.

• Interesting Experiments:

  • Testing how UV light affects spore viability.

  • Developing plant-friendly “sunscreen” formulations to protect beneficial fungi from UV damage.

• Beyond Black Grass – Other Weeds for Hydroponics:

  • Dr. Sharp muses on potential uses for other “weeds”:

    • Fat hen (once a Roman crop), dandelions (used for medicine and drink), shepherd’s purse (edible in Asia).

    • Mentions nettles (textile potential), Japanese knotweed (biostimulant uses), and even moss (teased for the next episode).

🔬 Takeaway:

This episode flips the script — instead of eradicating weeds, it explores cultivating them as part of solving major agricultural problems. It’s a smart fusion of hydroponics, pathology, and sustainable innovation, with potential to scale.

https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/fertiliser/liquid-gold-unique-complete-fertiliser/