Method for Controlling Fungal Plant Pathogens Using a Combination of UV Radiation Followed by Antagonist Application and Dark Period

摘要

Strawberries are available year-around from production in the field or from controlled environments (e.g. high and low tunnel culture and greenhouse). Diversity of production conditions results in challenges in controlling diseases before, during, and after harvest. Fungicides, traditionally used to control diseases, have limitations. UV-C irradiation followed by a dark period was used to kill two major pathogens of strawberry, Botrytis cinerea and Colletotrichum acutatum. The UV-C irradiation and dark period was followed by repopulation with beneficial biocontrol microorganisms. The 4 hr dark period prevented activation of a light-dependent UV-C damage repair mechanism in the pathogens. This combination protocol makes it possible to use a lower dose of UV-C for reduction and/or elimination of pathogens. A mobile treatment apparatus was designed to provide the appropriately timed UV-C doses, dark period, and sprayable doses of biocontrol microorganisms. The UV-C dose and repeated exposure did not affect pollen germination or cause chlorophyll degradation in strawberry leaves.

主权项

1. A treatment method for reducing, total amount of one or more pathogenic populations on a living plant resulting in reduction of diseases they cause; said method comprising:
(a) exposing a live plant, or a part thereof, to a dosage of UV-C having a peak wavelength of about 254 nm for a period of time of about 15, 30 or 60 seconds depending on the sensitivity of said pathogens; (b) allowing said plant to remain in continuous darkness for a period of at least 2 hours immediately following UV-C irradiation; (c) administering an antagonist biocontrol microorganism subsequent to UV-C irradiation; and (d) observing a reduction or absence of the infectivity of the fungi/pathogens.