Control of cucumber damping-off caused by Pythium aphanidermatum using canola residues

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the incorporation of canola residue in soil for controlling cucumber damping-off caused by Pythium aphanidermatum. Canola residues at increasing amounts (30 to 120 t ha−1) were incorporated into infested plots and covered with double-faced plastic. After 10 days, soil samples were taken from each plot to evaluate inoculum concentration and percent of seedling emergence. Chemical analysis of leaves and soil and microbial activity (MA) and electrical conductivity (EC) was performed 40 days after seedling emergence. Seedling emergence, MA and EC increased with the increase of canola residue amount. Moreover, the rate of soil nutrients and potassium also increased. Seedling damping-off and inoculum levels decreased with increasing levels of canola residue. In the field, seedling emergence and MA also increased with increasing levels of canola residue incorporated four months earlier. Soil biofumigation with canola residue proved an effective tool for managing cucumber damping-off. Soil cover with plastic can be reduced to 10 days without compromising disease control.