Directed energy system technology for the control of soilborne fungal pathogens and plant‐parasitic nematodes

• Published in: Pest management science Vol. 76; no. 6; pp. 2072 - 2078
• Main Authors: Riga, Ekaterini, Crisp, Jason D, McComb, Gordon J, Weiland, Jerry E, Zasada, Inga A
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Chichester, UK John Wiley & Sons, Ltd 01-06-2020; Wiley Subscription Services, Inc; Wiley Blackwell (John Wiley & Sons)
• Subjects: directed energy system; Eggs; Energy; Fungi; Meloidogyne hapla; Nematodes; Parasitic diseases; Pathogens; Pest control; Propagules; Public domain; Soil management; Soils; sustainable control; Sustainable practices; Technology; Tomatoes; United States > US; sustainable control; fungi; directed energy system; nematodes
• ISSN: 1526-498X; 1526-4998
• DOI: 10.1002/ps.5745

BACKGROUND
It is challenging to manage soilborne pathogens and plant‐parasitic nematodes using sustainable practices. Here, we evaluated a novel energy application system, Directed Energy System (DES). This system generates pulses of energy capable of impacting selected biological organisms. The oomycete Phytophthora cinnamomi, the fungus Verticillium dahliae, and the plant‐parasitic nematodes Meloidogyne hapla and Globodera ellingtonae were added to soil. Then DES‐generated energy was applied to soil and impacts on target organisms were determined.
RESULTS
DES applied at 20, 40 and 70 J cm−3 to P. cinnamomi and V. dahliae resulted in ≥50% and 92% reductions (respectively) of propagules per gram of soil in comparison to the untreated control. There was a significant reduction of M. hapla eggs per gram of host tomato root between the untreated control, and 2.2, 13 and 25 J cm−3 DES dosages applied pre‐ or post‐planting. Additionally, an 84% reduction in hatch from G. ellingtonae encysted eggs after treatment with 70 J cm−3 DES was observed. The dosages ranged from 40 or 80V mm−1 for nematodes to 200 V mm−1 for fungi.
CONCLUSION
DES‐generated energy reduced survival of the soilborne pathogens P. cinnamomi and V. dahlia, and the plant‐parasitic nematodes M. hapla and G. ellingtonae. The application of this technology to a field setting remains to be considered. Published 2020. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA. Pest Management Science published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.
Directed Energy System (DES) electrode pins were used for treatment of soil infested with soilborne pathogens and plant‐parasitic nematodes. The pins were inserted into the soil and energy was applied in between the pins to control the plant pests and pathogens.