Target spot on tomatoes: fungicide resistance and effective fungicide programs in Florida in 2011-2012
2015
E10557
Files
Details
Title
Target spot on tomatoes: fungicide resistance and effective fungicide programs in Florida in 2011-2012
Publication Date
2015
Call Number
E10557
Summary
Greenhouse tomato propagation and production require intensive crop work that promotes the spread of mechanically transmitted pathogens (e.g., fungi, bacteria, viruses and viroids). Therefore, a clean seed program is very important to prevent any un-intentional introduction of seed-borne pathogens to a greenhouse. If an initial infection is established, these pathogens can spread quickly to other plants through numerous hands-on activities in crop handling, grafting, de-leafing, or fruit harvesting. To curb further spread of these devastating diseases, a number of common disinfectants are being used by tomato growers to disinfect cutting tools or in foot baths. However, the efficacy of these disinfectants against pathogens of tomato and other greenhouse-produced vegetables is not well documented. The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of available disinfectants against Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis (Cmm) and Botrytis cinerea, the most problematic mechanically transmitted bacterial and fungal pathogens, respectively, in greenhouse-produced tomato. We determined the contact time required to kill Cmm and B. cinerea by commercial disinfectants in different chemical classes. Replicated in vitro experiments were conducted in which pure cultures of Cmm and B. cinerea were exposed to disinfectants for 1, 30 and 60 s, then 100 µl aliquots were withdrawn, plated on appropriate media, and incubated at room temperature for 4-7 days. KleenGrow, Green-Shield, BioSide, Des-O-Germ, Menno Florades, Menno-Terforte and dilute Clorox killed Cmm and B. cinerea cultures at all exposure times. Additional trials are underway to determine effectiveness of these disinfectants in preventing plant-to-plant spread of Cmm and B. cinerea via cutting tools.
Journal Citation
1069:271-274, ACTA HORTICULTURAE
Contact Information
harvest@worldveg.org
Record Appears in
Research > Published Articles