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ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Wenatchee, Washington » Physiology and Pathology of Tree Fruits Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #345071
Research Project: Utilization of the Rhizosphere Microbiome and Host Genetics to Manage Soil-borne Diseases

Location: Physiology and Pathology of Tree Fruits Research

Title: Anaerobic soil disinfestation for controlling Fusarium wilt in strawberies

Author
item MURAMOTO, JOJI - University Of California
item SHENNAN, CAROL - University Of California
item ZAVATTA, MARGHERITA - University Of California
item Mazzola, Mark
item IVORS, KELLY - California Polytechnic State University

Submitted to: International Conference on Methyl Bromide Alternatives and Emissions Reductions
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 9/25/2017
Publication Date: 11/27/2017
Citation: Muramoto, J., Shennan, C., Zavatta, M., Mazzola, M., Ivors, K. 2017. Anaerobic soil disinfestation for controlling Fusarium wilt in strawberies. International Conference on Methyl Bromide Alternatives and Emissions Reductions. p. 31.1-31.4.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: A strategy to apply a high rate of carbon resource in the conduct of a fall bed anaerobic soil disinfestation (ASD) treatment did not provide effective control of Fusarium wilt in California strawberries. The lack of disease control efficacy resulted from an increase in soil populations of the causal fungal pathogen, Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. fragariae in response to use of rice bran as the carbon input. Although a combination of a resistant strawberry cultivar in concert with application of rice bran at a rate of 9 t/ac greatly increased fruit yield compared to the use of a resistant cultivar alone, this treatment t also increased the density of F. oxysporum f. sp. fragariae detected in field soil. It is unclear as to whether rice bran will consistently increase the soil F. oxysporum f. sp. fragariae population regardless of the initial infestation level. Nevertheless, crop rotation and implementation of effective sanitation practices are critically important to maintain low F. oxysporum f. sp. fragariae soil populations. Future studies should examine the effect of simpler carbon sources, such as molasses and ethanol, that are more readily utilized by bacteria, on Fusarium wilt control and yield enhancement by fall application of ASD. In addition, the effect of various rotational crops and the length of time between strawberry crops on Fusarium wilt control should be examined.