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ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Wenatchee, Washington » Physiology and Pathology of Tree Fruits Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #361955

Research Project: Utilization of the Rhizosphere Microbiome and Host Genetics to Manage Soil-borne Diseases

Location: Physiology and Pathology of Tree Fruits Research

Title: Influence of carbon input on anaerobic soil disinfestation efficacy for control of Fusarium wilt in strawberry

Author
item KLARER, EMMI - Washington State University
item Mazzola, Mark

Submitted to: Phytopathology
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 4/2/2019
Publication Date: 10/25/2019
Citation: Klarer, E., Mazzola, M. 2019. Influence of carbon input on anaerobic soil disinfestation efficacy for control of Fusarium wilt in strawberry. Phytopathology. 109:S2.69.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Fusarium wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. fragariae (Fof) is a major threat to strawberry production in coastal California. The disease was historically controlled with chemical fumigants; however, the phase-out of methyl bromide has increased demand for alternative management strategies. Anaerobic soil disinfestation (ASD) is one such method that has proven effective in the management of soil-borne pathogens in certain systems. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of ASD treatments utilizing different carbon inputs in managing Fusarium wilt of strawberry. Soils artificially infested with Fof were amended with either rice bran (4.9 tons ha-1), ground orchard grass (10 tons ha-1), or ground wheat grass (10 tons ha-1) in combination with ASD and compared to no-amendment and aerobic controls. Susceptible strawberry crowns (cv Albion) were planted in soils post-ASD treatment and grown for a maximum of 61 days. The addition of carbon inputs to soil without subsequent ASD treatment amplified disease progression and resulted in a higher density of Fof in the soil and strawberry crowns than those treated with ASD. Strawberry plants grown in soils treated with ASD exhibited a slower rate of disease progression, however no treatment provided sufficient disease control.