ARS | Publication request: Steam treatment of volcanic cinder media for the eradication of Rotylenchulus reniformis

Submitted to: European Society of Nematologists
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: August 1, 2010
Publication Date: September 19, 2010
Citation: Cabos, R.Y., Hara, A., Tsang, M. 2010. Steam treatment of volcanic cinder media for the eradication of Rotylenchulus reniformis. European Society of Nematologists. p.164.

Technical Abstract: Volcanic cinder has historically been free of plant parasitic nematodes. The recent contamination of cinder media by Rotylenchulus reniformis in Hawaii necessitates growers to steam sterilize cinder used in potted plant exports. Certification requirements call for the center of the media to reach 71.1°C – 93.3° C for 30 minutes. Two large scale steam sterilization systems were tested for their efficacy at eradicating R. reniformis, a nematode of quarantine importance. One system utilizes a modified dump truck bed containing 24.5 m3 of cinder and the other a steam cart holding 1.68 m3 of cinder. Packets of volcanic cinder containing live R. reniformis and infected roots of Ipomoea batatas were placed in various locations throughout the media along with temperature probes which were monitored during the sterilization process. Unique cold spots were detected that required additional steaming after the remainder of the load reached maximum temperature. No live reniform nematodes were recovered as long as a uniform distribution of steam throughout the media occurred. When properly performed and trouble spots monitored, this treatment offered complete eradication of R. reniformis.