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Control of seed-borne diseases: Strategies for organic farming

Project


Project code: 2803OE1272
Contract period: 15.03.2004 - 30.06.2007
Budget: 228,371 Euro
Purpose of research: Applied research

For the production of healthy seed in organic farming preventative measures can be taken, and several methods and substances for seed treatment are available (thermophysical measures, botanicals, natural substances and microorganisms). Many of the seed treatment methods have not been evaluated sufficiently for most of the important host/pathogen combinations. The aim of this joint research project was testing and evaluation of currently available as well as promising methods and substances to maintain or restore seed health for their use in practice. Threshold levels that indicate a seed treatment should be established. To enable a quick transfer of effective measures into practice, mainly physical methods and listed plant strengthening products were investigated. In the first step the tests with naturally infested seed were performed in climate chambers and in the greenhouse (project 03OE127/3). Measures that proved to be successful under controlled conditions were examined in the field. Effective seed treatment agents and methods with no or only little negative effects on germination could be selected for important host/pathogen combinations. After treatment of spring barley / net blotch or leaf stripe and of oats / Ustilago avenae with hot water, LEBERMOOSER, Ethanol, Milsana, Serenade, and/or Cedomon, good effects were recorded. In winter wheat / Fusarium spp., Stagonospora nodorum or snow mould and in winter rye / snow mould, FZB 53, warm- or hot water treatment, and LEBERMOOSER were the most effective treatments. Anthracnose of lupins and Ascochyta pisi of peas, two pathogens which were very difficult to combat, were reduced by humid hot air, but the effect was not sufficient.

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