Location: Crop Improvement and Protection Research
Project Number: 2038-22000-019-065-R
Project Type: Reimbursable Cooperative Agreement
Start Date: Nov 1, 2024
End Date: Jun 30, 2027
Objective:
The objectives are to 1) Apply three seed treatments to spinach seeds to reduce the viability of Verticillium dahliae and seed transmission of the downy mildew pathogen, Peronospora effusa 2) Determine the effective concentrations for each of three seed treatments for the optimal reduction of Verticillium dahliae and Peronospora effusa. 3) Disseminate results of the project to the leafy greens and seed industries.
Approach:
The fumigant nitrogen dioxide for the control of seedborne pathogens will be applied using specialized chambers available at the USDA facility in Salinas. Additional treatments for organic spinach seed will be obtained from industry partners for testing. The efficacy of the treatments will be determined by plating seeds on semi-selective culture media to monitor the viability of Verticillium before and after treatment. Viability of P. effusa will be assessed in seed transmission tests. Seed treatments will also be assessed for efficacy in a hydroponic growth system in a greenhouse. Results will be shared with the leafy greens industry and seed companies through industry presentations and publication of results in a scientific journal.
