No description available.

Thesis (Ph.D. Agriculture (Horticulture)) -- University of Limpopo, 2012 / High yield losses in various crops due to plant-parasitic nematodes are associated with high initial nematode population densities (Pi). Uses of synthetic nematicides to reduce Pi were dependent on the physiological effect of materials on the protected crops, resulting into the coining of pre-emergent and post-emergent nematicides. Crude extracts of wild cucumber (Cucumis myriocarpus) fruit consistently reduced nematode population densities of the southern root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) when used as a post-emergent bio-nematicide. The purpose of this study was to investigate the compatibility of crude extracts of C. myriocarpus fruit when used as a pre-emergent bio-nematicide on germination and emergence of commercially important dicotyledonous and monocotyledonous crops using empirical tests and computer-generated models. Studies were conducted over a period of three years to assess the effects of this material on growth of various seedlings. Seven treatments comprising crude extracts of C. myriocarpus fruit (0, 2.5, 5, 7.5, 10, 12.5 and 15 g/pot) and test solutions (0, 25, 50, 75, 100, 125 and 150 g/ℓ distilled water) were used for emergence and germination in initial studies. Generally, 18 days after the treatments, variables measured and levels of crude extracts of C. myriocarpus fruit had negative quadratic relationships, which suggested that they had density-dependent growth responses. Subsequent studies were conducted using three selected crops each from the families Alliaceae, Gramineae and Solanaceae under greenhouse conditions, each with reduced concentration of 10 treatments (0, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, 1.00, 1.25, 1.50, 1.75, 2.00 and 2.25 g material/pot). Using variables of various organs and crops, significant means were subjected to the Curve-fitting Allelochemical Dosage Response (CARD) computer model, which was characterised by six biological indices, viz. threshold stimulation (Dm), xli saturation level (Rh), 0% inhibition (D0), 50% inhibition (D50), 100% inhibition (D100) and transformation level (k). The model demonstrated that the responses of the three crops from each family when regressed to dosages of crude extracts of C. myriocarpus fruit exhibited the density-dependent growth patterns, characterised by responses that included stimulation, saturation and inhibition. The integrated sensitivities (Σk) of the tested crops to crude extracts of C. myriocarpus fruit ranged from Σk = 9 to Σk = 51, with eggplant (Solanum melongena) and sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) being the most sensitive, while tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) was the least sensitive. Using the data depicting the stimulation range from CARD model, viz. (Dm), which is a threshold stimulation dosage and (Rh), which is a saturation dosage, mean dosage stimulation response (MDSR) was determined for chive (Allium schoenoprasum), leek (Allium ampeloprasum), onion (Allium cepa), maize (Zea mays), millet (Panicum miliaceum), sorghum, eggplant, pepper (Capsicum annum) and tomato as being 1.19, 0.68, 0.45, 1.13, 0.86, 1.12, 0.74, 1.11, and 0.53 g, respectively. These MDSR values are dosages which when applied for respective crops at direct seeding would not affect germination or emergence. MDSR values were validated for onion, millet and tomato, resulting in approximately 100% suppression of nematodes in all three test crops. In contrast, 100% emergence occurred in millet and tomato, while the validated MDSR reduced emergence on onion by 15%, which confirmed the sensitivity of this crop to crude extracts of C. myriocarpus fruit. In conclusion, crude extracts of C. myriocarpus fruit have the potential for use as pre-emergent bio-nematicide in suppression of plant-parasitic nematodes in various crops.

No description available.

Thirty-two isolates of rhizosphere bacteria, selected for their ability to inhibit zoospore germination and/or mycelial growth of Pythium aphanidermatum (Pa) in vitro, were evaluated in a test tube bioassay using cucumber c.v. 'Straight 8'. These isolates were identified as Psedudomonas corrugata (Pc13 or 35) and P. fluorescens (Pf15, 16 or 27). All but one of the five isolates effectively colonised the roots of cucumber plants in short term studies. Isolates 15 and 35 were found to maintain high population densities throughout the time period. Pa-inoculated plants treated with the Pc13 or Pf15 produced fruit yields equal to 92 and 74% respectively of the control (no Pa, no bacteria). Pa-inoculated plants without bacteria yielded only 46% of the control. In the fall crop, Pa-inoculated plants treated with Pc13 or Pf15 yielded 52 and 47% of the control compared to Pa-only treatment, which yielded 12.5% of the control. In both crops, treatment with any of the bacterial isolates resulted in significantly reduced cull rates compared to the Pa-only treatment.

Cucumber root rot caused by Pythium aphanidermatum can be suppressed by introduced plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR). Preliminary experiments clarified that this root disease could be suppressed by strains of Pseudomonas aureofaciens, P. corrugata, and P. fluorescens. To determine whether the mechanism was a systemic resistance induced by PGPR, a split root technique was employed on greenhouse cucumbers grown in soilless substrates. On the split roots, bacteria which were introduced into one side of the root were completely separated from pathogen challenged-inoculated roots-on the other side of the roots. Results from the series of experiments conducted with this design demonstrated that (i) the resistance against root rot induced by PGPR was systemic, (ii) germination of P. aphanidermatum zoospores was reduced in extracts from bacterized roots compared to non-treated control, and (iii) spread of Pythium mycelia was delayed and zoospore germination was inhibited on the distant induced root, compared to the non-bacterized control. Furthermore, enzyme analysis indicated that phenylalanine ammonia lyase, peroxidase and polyphenoloxidase increased on cucumber roots two days after they were bacterized with Pseudomonas strains 13 or 63--28. When the bacterized roots were challenged with P. aphanidermatum, these plant defense enzymes increased as the symptoms appeared, but this accumulation of enzymes was not any higher on roots induced with each of the Pseudomonas strains compared to the Pythium inoculated control. This enzyme stimulation was also systemically induced by PGPR or P. aphanidermatum on cucumber roots. The patterns of iso-peroxidase induced with the PGPR and P. aphanidermatum treatments were different. High levels of salicylic acid (SA) accumulated in bacteria-induced roots, as well as in pathogen-infected roots, which suggests that SA may be associated with cucumber resistance response. But exogenous application of SA did not induce any systemi

O oídio, causado pelo fungo Podosphaera fuliginea, é uma doença de ocorrência universal, considerada uma das mais comuns entre as cucurbitáceas. Todas as espécies são suscetíveis, contudo a severidade está condicionada ao tipo de clima, espécies e cultivares. Na cultura do pepino (Cucumins sativus L.) o oídio provoca danos principalmente em cultivos protegidos, necessitando da utilização de produtos tóxicos no seu controle. É crescente o interesse pelos métodos alternativos de controle, englobando os biológicos, orgânicos ou naturais, por apresentar alternativas de controle eficientes, tendo como características o baixo potencial de contaminação ao ambiente, a saúde do aplicador e do consumidor. Experimentos foram conduzidos em casa de vegetação e repetidos em dois cultivos, com a utilização de extratos de canola e própolis para controle de oídio em pepineiro. No primeiro experimento testou-se o efeito potencial, de extratos de pó de canola (Brassica napus L.) em quatro formas de extração: extrato alcoólico, infusão, maceração e extrato aquoso e cinco concentrações de cada extrato: 0, 3, 6, 9, e 12%. A primeira aplicação foi realizada 24 horas antes de submeter as plantas ao inóculo do patógeno e as demais semanalmente, num período de 5 semanas. Avaliou-se a incidência e severidade da doença e o efeito elicitor dos extratos na indução de resistência por meio da atividade da enzima fenilalanina amônia-liase (FAL), fenóis totais e proteínas totais. No segundo experimento testou-se o efeito de extrato etanólico de própolis aplicado em épocas e concentrações distintas: 24 horas antes da inoculação do patógeno, 24 horas após a inoculação e no aparecimento dos primeiros sintomas da doença com concentrações de 0% (água destilada) 0,5; 1; 2; 4 e 8% do extrato. No primeiro experimento, verificou-se maior atividade da FAL e maior acúmulo de fenóis totais, sendo estes parâmetros relacionados à redução da AACPD para a incidência e severidade do oídio.Destacou-se como melhor controle o extrato maceração na concentração de 12%, com redução de mais de 50% de incidência e mais de 90% de severidade da doença. No segundo experimento verificou-se que o extrato aquoso de própolis aplicado 24 horas antes e 24 horas após a inoculação do patógeno conferiu melhor controle da AACPD da severidade e incidência, quando comparadas a aplicação no aparecimento dos primeiros sintomas da doença. Esse efeito foi mais significativo quando utilizou-se a concentração de 8%. Os resultados obtidos em ambos os experimentos demonstram que o extrato do pó de canola, assim como, o extrato alcoólico de própolis possuem potencial para controle de oídio em pepineiro. / Powdery mildew, caused by the fungus Podosphaera fuliginea, is a disease of universal occurrence, considered one of the most common among cucurbits. All species are susceptible, but the severity depends on the type of climate, species and cultivars. In the culture of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L. Cucumins) powdery mildew causes damage mainly in greenhouses, necessitating the use of toxic products in your control. The interest in alternative methods of control is growing, including the biological, organic or natural alternatives to present efficient control, with features like the low potential for contamination to the environment, the health of the operator and the consumer. Experiments were conducted in a greenhouse and repeated in two crops, using canola and própolis extracts to control powdery mildew in cucumber. In the first experiment was tested the potential effect of powder canola (Brassica napus L.) extracts in four forms of extraction: alcoholic, infusion, maceration and aqueous extract and five concentrations of each extract: 0, 3, 6, 9 and 12%. The first application was made 24 hours before the pathogen inoculation and other weekly for a period of 5 weeks, measuring the incidence and severity of disease and the elicitor effect of extracts in the induction of resistance by the enzyme phenylalanine ammonia lyase (FAL), total phenolics and total proteins. In the second experiment was tested the effect of ethanol propolis extract applied in different times and concentrations: 24 hours before the pathogen inoculation, 24 hours after pathogen inoculation and the appearance of the firsts disease symptoms with 0% (distilled water); 0,5; 1; 2; 4 and 8% of the extract. In the first experiment, there was a higher activity of FAL and greater accumulation of phenolic compounds, which are parameters related to the reduction of AUDPC for the incidence and severity of powdery mildew, highlighting how the best to control the maceration extract at a concentration of 12%, with reduced more than 50% incidence and more than 90% disease severity. In the second experiment it was found that a própolis aqueous extract applied 24 hours before and 24 hours after the inoculation of the pathogen gave better control of AUDPC the incidence and severity when compared to aplication in the first disease symptoms. This effect was more significant when it was used at a concentration of 8%. The results in both experiments showed that the powder canola extract, as well as the alcoholic própolis extract, have potential for control of powdery mildew on cucumber.

O oídio, causado pelo fungo Podosphaera fuliginea, é uma doença de ocorrência universal, considerada uma das mais comuns entre as cucurbitáceas. Todas as espécies são suscetíveis, contudo a severidade está condicionada ao tipo de clima, espécies e cultivares. Na cultura do pepino (Cucumins sativus L.) o oídio provoca danos principalmente em cultivos protegidos, necessitando da utilização de produtos tóxicos no seu controle. É crescente o interesse pelos métodos alternativos de controle, englobando os biológicos, orgânicos ou naturais, por apresentar alternativas de controle eficientes, tendo como características o baixo potencial de contaminação ao ambiente, a saúde do aplicador e do consumidor. Experimentos foram conduzidos em casa de vegetação e repetidos em dois cultivos, com a utilização de extratos de canola e própolis para controle de oídio em pepineiro. No primeiro experimento testou-se o efeito potencial, de extratos de pó de canola (Brassica napus L.) em quatro formas de extração: extrato alcoólico, infusão, maceração e extrato aquoso e cinco concentrações de cada extrato: 0, 3, 6, 9, e 12%. A primeira aplicação foi realizada 24 horas antes de submeter as plantas ao inóculo do patógeno e as demais semanalmente, num período de 5 semanas. Avaliou-se a incidência e severidade da doença e o efeito elicitor dos extratos na indução de resistência por meio da atividade da enzima fenilalanina amônia-liase (FAL), fenóis totais e proteínas totais. No segundo experimento testou-se o efeito de extrato etanólico de própolis aplicado em épocas e concentrações distintas: 24 horas antes da inoculação do patógeno, 24 horas após a inoculação e no aparecimento dos primeiros sintomas da doença com concentrações de 0% (água destilada) 0,5; 1; 2; 4 e 8% do extrato. No primeiro experimento, verificou-se maior atividade da FAL e maior acúmulo de fenóis totais, sendo estes parâmetros relacionados à redução da AACPD para a incidência e severidade do oídio.Destacou-se como melhor controle o extrato maceração na concentração de 12%, com redução de mais de 50% de incidência e mais de 90% de severidade da doença. No segundo experimento verificou-se que o extrato aquoso de própolis aplicado 24 horas antes e 24 horas após a inoculação do patógeno conferiu melhor controle da AACPD da severidade e incidência, quando comparadas a aplicação no aparecimento dos primeiros sintomas da doença. Esse efeito foi mais significativo quando utilizou-se a concentração de 8%. Os resultados obtidos em ambos os experimentos demonstram que o extrato do pó de canola, assim como, o extrato alcoólico de própolis possuem potencial para controle de oídio em pepineiro. / Powdery mildew, caused by the fungus Podosphaera fuliginea, is a disease of universal occurrence, considered one of the most common among cucurbits. All species are susceptible, but the severity depends on the type of climate, species and cultivars. In the culture of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L. Cucumins) powdery mildew causes damage mainly in greenhouses, necessitating the use of toxic products in your control. The interest in alternative methods of control is growing, including the biological, organic or natural alternatives to present efficient control, with features like the low potential for contamination to the environment, the health of the operator and the consumer. Experiments were conducted in a greenhouse and repeated in two crops, using canola and própolis extracts to control powdery mildew in cucumber. In the first experiment was tested the potential effect of powder canola (Brassica napus L.) extracts in four forms of extraction: alcoholic, infusion, maceration and aqueous extract and five concentrations of each extract: 0, 3, 6, 9 and 12%. The first application was made 24 hours before the pathogen inoculation and other weekly for a period of 5 weeks, measuring the incidence and severity of disease and the elicitor effect of extracts in the induction of resistance by the enzyme phenylalanine ammonia lyase (FAL), total phenolics and total proteins. In the second experiment was tested the effect of ethanol propolis extract applied in different times and concentrations: 24 hours before the pathogen inoculation, 24 hours after pathogen inoculation and the appearance of the firsts disease symptoms with 0% (distilled water); 0,5; 1; 2; 4 and 8% of the extract. In the first experiment, there was a higher activity of FAL and greater accumulation of phenolic compounds, which are parameters related to the reduction of AUDPC for the incidence and severity of powdery mildew, highlighting how the best to control the maceration extract at a concentration of 12%, with reduced more than 50% incidence and more than 90% disease severity. In the second experiment it was found that a própolis aqueous extract applied 24 hours before and 24 hours after the inoculation of the pathogen gave better control of AUDPC the incidence and severity when compared to aplication in the first disease symptoms. This effect was more significant when it was used at a concentration of 8%. The results in both experiments showed that the powder canola extract, as well as the alcoholic própolis extract, have potential for control of powdery mildew on cucumber.

No description available.

The use of biological control agents (BCAs) in the past has shown limited success as its application has often been done incorrectly, and in addition, management practices are rarely altered to incorporate BCAs. Criteria for the correct application of BCAs have been devised as part of the research, and companies selling these products may use the said criteria. Such application will ensure the correct BCAs are used and, more specifically, used under the correct conditions. The powdery mildew (PM) fungus is often seen to develop resistance to synthetic fungicides and, therefore, alternative control measures are required. BCAs as an alternative pose less risk to the environment, workers and the consumer. A pre-trial has been conducted with a range of BCAs to see if they can control powdery mildew (PM) in a greenhouse environment on hydroponically grown cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) plants using the variety Baccara that has only a moderate tolerance to PM. The BCAs have been compared to the control (synthetic fungicide: Bravo). Comparative work includes Coyier's model, which has been modified and adapted for these trials to determine the percentage of leaf area covered by the PM infection. Furthermore, the number of fruit harvested per treatment, kilogram yield, total mass of yield and average fruit mass is also used to determine the efficacy of the BCAs as these factors have economic significance to commercial growers. The pre-trial showed promise until the fertigation computer failed, resulting in a nutrient shortage and imbalance, confirming that BCAs alone cannot control PM. Synthetic fungicides were applied until control of PM and plant nutrition was regained. BCAs were re-introduced and used until the end of crop production. The confirmation from the pre-trial has led to the inclusion of silicon in conjunction with the BCAs in the two subsequent trials (Trials 1 & 2). Silicon was applied with the BCAs as a foliar spray on a weekly basis. In trials 1 and 2, the cucumber variety, Palladium, with a high genetic tolerance to PM is used, as this variety is suited to form part of the holistic approach used for trials 1 and 2. Trial 1 showed that treatment A, containing Streptomyces griseovirdis and Streptomyces aureofaciens, had the highest yield. Both of these are bacterial BCAs and demonstrated their adaptability to varied climatic conditions, notably when low humidity was experienced. In treatment B, Trichoderma harzianum strains, Rifai and Uppington, show the slowest rate of PM development. In trials 1 and 2, the best actual PM control was obtained by two fungal based BCAs (Trial 1, treatment C was Ampelomyces quisqualis) and (Trial 2, treatment B was Trichoderma harzianum strains, Rifai and Uppington), showing that fungal BCAs have a place for this application, but the growth-enhancing properties of bacterial based BCAs make economic sense and would make them attractive to growers. Treatment A (Streptomyces spp.) had the most number of fruit for the entire growing period and the best overall yield (kg yield) again. Two of the BCA / silicon treatments have marginally better PM control compared to that of the control (E) treatment, although not statistically significant. Treatment E (control) has the highest average fruit mass in this instance but does not have the highest yield (kg yield) when compared to treatments A and B, possibly due to the growth-enhancing properties of most of these BCAs. Therefore, most of these BCA treatments give fairly inconsistent results that vary possibly according to season, humidity and temperature, making it difficult to predict their efficacy. Using combinations or weekly alternations of these BCAs with extremes of climatic adaptation will probably be the most reliable method of obtaining consistent results. Bacterial BCAs are shown to have lower humidity requirements and produce the most consistent results in terms of fruit number, yield and fruit mass and a combination of bacterial and fungal based BCAs would possibly be the best as this would control PM and yet still have the growth enhancing properties from the bacterial based BCAs. From the research, it can be said that some BCAs in trials 1 and 2 produce results similar to that of the control in terms of percentage leaf area covered by PM and some are shown to have improved yields. Results produced from certain BCA treatments are thus equal to the control; yet provide an environmentally friendly alternative to synthetic fungicides. Silicon is listed as a beneficial element rather than an essential element; however, literature claims it to be highly effective in treating PM in cucurbits. Results from trials 1 and 2 show that control of PM is possible in most cases, when a holistic approach is used. This approach includes a cucumber variety with a high PM tolerance, optimum nutrition, cultural practices and silicon in combination with the BCAs. A complete change of management practices is necessary to implement such a BCA program. / Agriculture, Animal Health & Human Ecology / M. Tech. (Nature Conservation)

The use of biological control agents (BCAs) in the past has shown limited success as its application has often been done incorrectly, and in addition, management practices are rarely altered to incorporate BCAs. Criteria for the correct application of BCAs have been devised as part of the research, and companies selling these products may use the said criteria. Such application will ensure the correct BCAs are used and, more specifically, used under the correct conditions. The powdery mildew (PM) fungus is often seen to develop resistance to synthetic fungicides and, therefore, alternative control measures are required. BCAs as an alternative pose less risk to the environment, workers and the consumer. A pre-trial has been conducted with a range of BCAs to see if they can control powdery mildew (PM) in a greenhouse environment on hydroponically grown cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) plants using the variety Baccara that has only a moderate tolerance to PM. The BCAs have been compared to the control (synthetic fungicide: Bravo). Comparative work includes Coyier's model, which has been modified and adapted for these trials to determine the percentage of leaf area covered by the PM infection. Furthermore, the number of fruit harvested per treatment, kilogram yield, total mass of yield and average fruit mass is also used to determine the efficacy of the BCAs as these factors have economic significance to commercial growers. The pre-trial showed promise until the fertigation computer failed, resulting in a nutrient shortage and imbalance, confirming that BCAs alone cannot control PM. Synthetic fungicides were applied until control of PM and plant nutrition was regained. BCAs were re-introduced and used until the end of crop production. The confirmation from the pre-trial has led to the inclusion of silicon in conjunction with the BCAs in the two subsequent trials (Trials 1 & 2). Silicon was applied with the BCAs as a foliar spray on a weekly basis. In trials 1 and 2, the cucumber variety, Palladium, with a high genetic tolerance to PM is used, as this variety is suited to form part of the holistic approach used for trials 1 and 2. Trial 1 showed that treatment A, containing Streptomyces griseovirdis and Streptomyces aureofaciens, had the highest yield. Both of these are bacterial BCAs and demonstrated their adaptability to varied climatic conditions, notably when low humidity was experienced. In treatment B, Trichoderma harzianum strains, Rifai and Uppington, show the slowest rate of PM development. In trials 1 and 2, the best actual PM control was obtained by two fungal based BCAs (Trial 1, treatment C was Ampelomyces quisqualis) and (Trial 2, treatment B was Trichoderma harzianum strains, Rifai and Uppington), showing that fungal BCAs have a place for this application, but the growth-enhancing properties of bacterial based BCAs make economic sense and would make them attractive to growers. Treatment A (Streptomyces spp.) had the most number of fruit for the entire growing period and the best overall yield (kg yield) again. Two of the BCA / silicon treatments have marginally better PM control compared to that of the control (E) treatment, although not statistically significant. Treatment E (control) has the highest average fruit mass in this instance but does not have the highest yield (kg yield) when compared to treatments A and B, possibly due to the growth-enhancing properties of most of these BCAs. Therefore, most of these BCA treatments give fairly inconsistent results that vary possibly according to season, humidity and temperature, making it difficult to predict their efficacy. Using combinations or weekly alternations of these BCAs with extremes of climatic adaptation will probably be the most reliable method of obtaining consistent results. Bacterial BCAs are shown to have lower humidity requirements and produce the most consistent results in terms of fruit number, yield and fruit mass and a combination of bacterial and fungal based BCAs would possibly be the best as this would control PM and yet still have the growth enhancing properties from the bacterial based BCAs. From the research, it can be said that some BCAs in trials 1 and 2 produce results similar to that of the control in terms of percentage leaf area covered by PM and some are shown to have improved yields. Results produced from certain BCA treatments are thus equal to the control; yet provide an environmentally friendly alternative to synthetic fungicides. Silicon is listed as a beneficial element rather than an essential element; however, literature claims it to be highly effective in treating PM in cucurbits. Results from trials 1 and 2 show that control of PM is possible in most cases, when a holistic approach is used. This approach includes a cucumber variety with a high PM tolerance, optimum nutrition, cultural practices and silicon in combination with the BCAs. A complete change of management practices is necessary to implement such a BCA program. / Agriculture, Animal Health and Human Ecology / M. Tech. (Nature Conservation)