Application of selected antagonistic strains against Phytophthora cryptogea on gerbera in closed soilless systems with disinfection by slow sand filtration
2003
Garibaldi, Angelo | Minuto, Andrea | Grasso, Valeria | Lodovica Gullino, M.
In two separate trials during 2000-2002, the efficacy of slow sand filtration and UV treatment in eliminating Phytophthora cryptogea propagules, artificially added in the recirculating nutrient solution, was evaluated with gerbera plants grown in closed soilless systems. A slow sand filtration technique was tested both alone and in combination with different antagonistic strains belonging to Fusarium spp. and Trichoderma spp., isolated from gerbera rhizosphere and applied into the soilless system. The dynamics of these fungi in the recirculating nutrient solution and in the sand filter was also investigated by plate counts on selective media. Slow sand filtration and UV treatment were both effective in reducing P. cryptogea root rot. However, slow sand filtration may be a more feasible disinfection method than UV because of lower costs of installation and maintenance and for its adaptability to a wide range of production systems. Moreover, this disinfection technique can be successfully combine with the application of antagonistic microorganisms.
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