The search for non-chemical methods to control soil-borne pathogens has recently intensified considering the coming phase-out of methyl bromide in 2005, and none of the alternative to methyl bromide match this fumigant’s wide spectrum control. Pre-planting treatments were carried out with a self-propelled soil-steaming machine designed for the release of steam after the incorporation in the soil of a substance that causes an exothermic reaction. The experiments were conducted from 1999 to 2003 in open-field conditions by assessing the effectiveness of steam and exothermic reaction chemicals - potassium hydroxide and calcium oxide - against Sclerotinia minor on lettuce, Rhizoctonia solani on radish and Fusarium oxysporum f.sp.basilici on basil. The combination of steam and exothermic reaction chemicals reduced the incidence of lettuce drop (-92.4%), as well as in Rhizoctonia solani/radish and Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. basilici/basil, and the reduction in infection compared to the untreated control was found to be very high (-74.9% and –76.8%, respectively). Effects of treatments on microbial population and yield were evaluated. The results show the potential for this approach to control various soil-borne pathogens and it may serve as an alternative to chemical soil disinfestation for high-value crops.
Exothermic reactions and steam for management of soil-borne pathogens: five years of research
TRIOLO, ENRICO;MATERAZZI, ALBERTO;LUVISI, ANDREA
2004-01-01
Abstract
The search for non-chemical methods to control soil-borne pathogens has recently intensified considering the coming phase-out of methyl bromide in 2005, and none of the alternative to methyl bromide match this fumigant’s wide spectrum control. Pre-planting treatments were carried out with a self-propelled soil-steaming machine designed for the release of steam after the incorporation in the soil of a substance that causes an exothermic reaction. The experiments were conducted from 1999 to 2003 in open-field conditions by assessing the effectiveness of steam and exothermic reaction chemicals - potassium hydroxide and calcium oxide - against Sclerotinia minor on lettuce, Rhizoctonia solani on radish and Fusarium oxysporum f.sp.basilici on basil. The combination of steam and exothermic reaction chemicals reduced the incidence of lettuce drop (-92.4%), as well as in Rhizoctonia solani/radish and Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. basilici/basil, and the reduction in infection compared to the untreated control was found to be very high (-74.9% and –76.8%, respectively). Effects of treatments on microbial population and yield were evaluated. The results show the potential for this approach to control various soil-borne pathogens and it may serve as an alternative to chemical soil disinfestation for high-value crops.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
