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 Australasian Plant Disease Notes
Disease notes, new records and quarantine interception reports are published in Australasian Plant Disease Notes.

 

Article << Previous     |     Next >>   Contents Vol 37(6)

Influence of storage method on the viability, mycelial growth and pathogenicity of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum sclerotia

B. M. Pottinger A C D, H. J. Ridgway A, G. W. Bourdôt B, A. Stewart A

A National Centre for Advanced Bio-Protection Technologies, PO Box 84, Lincoln University, Canterbury 9647, New Zealand.
B AgResearch Ltd, Lincoln, Private Bag 4749, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand.
C Present address: Environmental Risk Management Authority, BP House, 20 Customhouse Quay, PO Box 131, Wellington 6140, New Zealand.
D Corresponding author. Email: brenda.pottinger@ermanz.govt.nz
 
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Abstract

The effect of three storage methods on the viability, mycelial growth and pathogenicity of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (isolate S36) sclerotia was determined with a view towards establishing an optimal method for storing this pathogen during its mass production as a mycoherbicide for controlling the weed Ranunculus acris. Sclerotia were stored at –80°C, 4°C after desiccation, or at room temperature after freeze-drying and their germination, growth and pathogenicity were assessed after 6, 12, 18, 24 and 30 months in these conditions. Germination was maintained at 100% at –80°C and when dry-stored at 4°C. In contrast, freeze-dried sclerotia showed a significant reduction in germination and insufficient mycelium was produced at 30 months for growth and pathogenicity assessments. Colony growth from the stored sclerotia was similar for all three storage methods and durations. Pathogenicity, assessed using the leaves of R. acris, was the same for all three storage methods. This study indicates that the sclerotia of S. sclerotiorum may be successfully stored either at –80°C or at 4°C after desiccation for use as a mycoherbicide, but that freeze-drying is not a suitable method.

Keywords: preservation, propagules, restoration.


   
    


 
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