Effectiveness of alternative methods to chemical pesticides for the control of Rhizoctonia solani in poinsettia.

摘要

Results of a trial on the effectiveness of alternatives to chemicals against Rhizoctonia solani on poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima cv Cortez) are reported. The activities of biostimulants, plant activators and fungal antagonists belonging to Trichoderma spp. were compared with a commonly-used fungicide (tolclofos-methyl). Starting at the time of potting, tested products were sprayed, drenched or mixed to substrate following label recommendations. After 35 days from potting, plants were inoculated with R. solani through the distribution of 0.5 g of wheat kernels in each pot. Tolclofos-methyl gave excellent control of the disease, while biological control and natural chemicals showed poor effectiveness..