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ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Salinas, California » Crop Improvement and Protection Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #411123
Research Project: Disease Management and Improved Detection Systems for Control of Pathogens of Vegetables and Strawberries

Location: Crop Improvement and Protection Research

Title: Nitrogen dioxide fumigation reduces the viability of Verticillium dahliae and Peronospora effusa in spinach seeds

Author
item Klosterman, Steven
item Liu, Samuel
item SUBBARAO, KRISHNA - University Of California
item Liu, Yong Biao

Submitted to: International Plant Protection Congress
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 12/15/2023
Publication Date: 7/1/2024
Citation: Klosterman, S.J., Liu, S.S., Subbarao, K.V., Liu, Y.-B. 2024. Nitrogen dioxide fumigation reduces the viability of Verticillium dahliae and Peronospora effusa in spinach seeds. International Plant Protection Congress, July 1-5, 2024, Athens, Greece.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: The fungal plant pathogen Verticillium dahliae and the oomycete pathogen Peronospora effusa are transported worldwide via global spinach seed trade. Seedborne V. dahliae causes Verticillium wilt of mature spinach and so is not a concern on spinach crop production. However, it affects the production of a wide range of crop plant species grown in rotation with spinach, including lettuce. Peronospora effusa only infects spinach, causing highly destructive downy mildew disease. This research focused on limiting the introduction of V. dahliae and P. effusa by nitrogen dioxide (NO2) gas fumigation of whole spinach seeds. The treatment entailed the use of 3% NO2 over a 3-day exposure period. The fumigation treatment significantly reduced both the external and internal V. dahliae pathogen, with reductions ranging from 55.6% to 92.9%. The treatment effectively eliminated P. effusa from spinach seed. Remarkably this approach did not affect seed germination and showed potential to enhance plant growth. The findings demonstrate that the NO2 treatment is effective at reducing both V. dahliae and P. effusa in spinach seeds, is easy to apply, and provides a promising solution for managing seedborne pathogens.