CHEMICAL, NON-CHEMICAL AND BIOLOGICAL CONTROL OF PHYTOPHTHORA CRYPTOGEA ON SOILLESS-GROWN GERBERA

The efficacy of several active and passive methods in eliminating Phytophthora cryptogea propagules, artificially added in the recirculating nutrient solutions, was evaluated with gerbera plants grown in soilless systems.
Metalaxyl (20 ppm) provided significant control, however, its usage is complicated by the presence of residues in drained and stored nutrient solution.
Slow sand filtration and UV treatment were also effective in reducing root rot caused by P. cryptogea. However, slow sand filtration may be a more feasible disinfection method than UV because it has low costs of installation and maintenance and for its adaptability to a wide range of production systems.
Moreover, our results showed that this disinfection technique can be successfully combined with the application of antagonistic microorganisms (Fusarium spp. and Trichoderma spp., isolated from gerbera rhizosphere). The dynamics of these fungi in the recirculating nutrient solution and the sand filter was investigated by plate counts on selective media.

VI International Symposium on Chemical and non-Chemical Soil and Substrate Disinfestation – SD2004

A. Minuto, V. Grasso,, M.L. Gullino, A. Garibaldi

hydroponic culture, closed system, root rot, disinfection treatment, suppressive microflora, slow sand filtration

https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2005.698.20