Skip to main content
ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Corvallis, Oregon » Horticultural Crops Disease and Pest Management Research Unit » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #413156
Research Project: Knowledge Based Tools for Exotic and Emerging Diseases of Small Fruit and Nursery Crops

Location: Horticultural Crops Disease and Pest Management Research Unit

Title: Aluminum foils growth of Botrytis and Gnomoniopsis idaeicola

Author
item KELLER, ROD - Oregon State University
item Stockwell, Virginia

Submitted to: American Phytopathological Society Annual Meeting
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/9/2024
Publication Date: 3/28/2024
Citation: Keller, R., Stockwell, V.O. 2024. Aluminum foils growth of Botrytis and Gnomoniopsis idaeicola [abstract]. American Phytopathological Society Annual Meeting.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: The emergence of Gnomoniopsis idaeicola and fungicide-tolerant Botrytis isolates in blackberry fields in the Pacific Northwest poses a significant threat to sustainable production of blackberries. Aluminum sulfate, a material used in various industrial and water-treatment applications, was tested for its ability to inhibit mycelial growth of Botrytis or G. idaeicola in culture. Molten potato dextrose agar was amended with filter-sterile Al2(SO4)3 to final concentrations up to 100 mM and poured into 90 mm diameter petri dishes. Radial mycelia growth of 11 G. idaeicola isolates from blackberries fields in the Pacific Northwest and 20 isolates of Botrytis with variable resistance profiles to fungicides of FRAC groups 2, 7, 9, and 17 was measured over time. Radial growth of all Botrytis isolates was completely inhibited on PDA with 10 mM Al2(SO4)3, irrespective of their fungicide resistance profiles. A greater concentration, 20 mM Al2(SO4)3 was required to inhibit growth of G. idaeicola in culture. Interestingly, radial mycelial growth was increased on media with 0.1 mM Al2(SO4)3 compared to growth on non-amended PDA. This study demonstrates the potential for aluminum sulfate as an effective and eco-friendly fungicide against Botrytis and G. idaeicola in blackberry fields. Field trials have been initiated to evaluate dose and timing of Al2(SO4)3 for disease management and to assess season-long impacts of Al2(SO4)3 on plant health and fruit quality.