EFFECTS OF FLOODING, SOIL FUMIGATION, AND COMPOSTED ORGANIC HOUSEHOLD WASTE ON PYTHIUM ROOT ROT IN BULBOUS IRIS

Pythium is a soil-borne fungus which causes root rot in several ornamental bulb crops on sandy soil.
It is a potentially fast-growing fungus which is relatively susceptible to competition by other microorganisms.
To reduce the use and dependence on fungicides, non-chemical control methods have to be developed.
Pot experiments were performed to study the effects of several cultural practices on Pythium root rot in bulbous iris in relation to the condition of the soil microflora.
Flooding and soil fumigation are generally applied in ornamental bulb culture.
These treatments effectively control several diseases and weeds, and are harmful to many other soil organisms (Bollen, 1979; Somerville, 1987; Strandberg, 1989). However, these treatments do not control Pythium (flooding) or only to a limited extent (fumigation). Flooding or fumigation may result in an imbalance between Pythium and other competing microorganisms; this may entail serious risks.
In this context, the effect of composted organic household waste on the disease suppression was investigated.

VII International Symposium on Flowerbulbs

G.J. van Os, W.J.M. van Gulik, J.P.M. Wijnker

https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.1997.430.93