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Measuring root disease suppression in response to a compost water extract
Gilberto Curlango-Rivera1, Tom Pew, Hans D VanEtten
1Soil, Water and Environmental Sciences Department, University of Arizona, AZ, USA.
Phytopathology
|February 14, 2013
Summary
Compost water extract (CWE) significantly reduces pea root infection by soilborne pathogens in controlled assays. However, its effectiveness varies greatly depending on application method and soil type, highlighting the need for further research.
Area of Science:
- Plant Pathology
- Soil Microbiology
- Agricultural Science
Background:
- Commercial compost application for plant disease control shows inconsistent results.
- Understanding compost's disease suppression mechanisms is crucial for reliable application.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of compost water extract (CWE) in controlling pea root diseases caused by Fusarium solani and Phoma pinodella.
- To investigate the role of microorganisms in CWE's disease suppression.
- To assess the influence of soil type and application method on CWE performance.
Main Methods:
- Development and utilization of a growth pouch assay for controlled assessment of CWE impact on root infection.
- Inoculation of pea roots with F. solani and P. pinodella spores.
- Application of CWE as a soil drench in different soil types (sand, clay).
- Testing of microbially-filtered CWE to discern the role of microorganisms.
- Evaluation of CWE's effect on mycelial growth in culture and protection against cucumber root infection.
Main Results:
- CWE reduced pea root infection by 93-100% in growth pouches and 100% in sand, but <50% in clay soil.
- Microbially-filtered CWE failed to inhibit F. solani infection and increased lesion development.
- CWE inhibited F. solani mycelial growth in vitro but provided <40% protection against cucumber root infection.
- Pea root treatment with CWE led to a bacterial sheath formation, absent in cucumber.
Conclusions:
- Growth pouch assays offer a reliable system for studying compost-mediated disease control and identifying key factors.
- The efficacy of CWE is highly dependent on soil properties and application context.
- Microorganisms within CWE appear essential for its disease suppression capabilities in pea roots.
