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Research article - Peer-reviewed, 2011

Influence of electrical conductivity on biological activity of Pythium ultimum and Binab T in a closed soilless system

Khalil, Sammar

Abstract

The effects of electrical conductivity (EC) of the nutrient solution on the performance of the commercial biocontrol product Binab T against the root pathogen Pythium ultimum were studied in order to identify supporting factors to increase the efficiency and decrease the inconsistency of biocontrol agents in closed cultivation systems. Using a substrate-based growing system, the commercial product Binab T with the active strains Trichoderma polysporum plus T. harzianum was evaluated at four different EC levels (1.5, 2.5, 3.5 and 5.0 mS cm(-1)) over seven weeks in a controlled climate chamber environment, using tomato as the model plant. Addition of the biocontrol agent to the cultivation system caused a reduction in the level and incidence of pathogen attack that improved with increasing EC level from 2.5 mS cm(-1) onward. Production of the cell wall-degrading enzymes cellulose and glucanase by Binab T increased with increasing EC level, independent of pathogen presence. In a control treatment with no artificial inoculation, enzyme activity decreased with increasing EC level. Increasing EC levels in the presence of Binab T also had a positive effect on plant biomass. The highest antagonistic effect of Binab T against Pythium ultimum, as indicated by enzyme activity, amount of pathogen in the system and disease incidence, occurred at 3.5 mS cm(-1). The plant growth-promoting effect of Binab T also peaked at 3.5 mS cm(-1).

Keywords

cell wall-degrading enzymes; closed cultivation system; nutrient solution; root pathogen; tomato; Trichoderma

Published in

Journal of Plant Diseases and Protection
2011, Volume: 118, number: 3-4, pages: 102-108
Publisher: EUGEN ULMER GMBH CO

      SLU Authors

    • Khalil, Samar

      • Horticulture, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences

    UKÄ Subject classification

    Horticulture
    Environmental Sciences related to Agriculture and Land-use

    Publication identifier

    DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03356389

    Permanent link to this page (URI)

    https://res.slu.se/id/publ/57152