Characterization of the Effects of Innoculation Time and Nutrient Solution Temperature on the Development of Pythium aphanidermatum Infection of Full-Size Spinach
Leslie Katzman
A major problem with continuous hydroponic spinach production is root disease. The CEA program continues to focus on methods to reduce disease in order to grow plants on a commercial scale. We constructed special hydroponic tanks with a high level of computer-automated, environmental control. These tanks were used to study the influence of root zone temperature and oxygenation on:
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The development of the root disease pathogen, Pythium aphanidermatum.
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The growth of the plant in the absence or presence of this pathogen.
The effect on biomass, pathogen population and root health due to:
- Time of inoculation
- Concentration of inoculm
- Root zone temperature
Results of this work may be found in:
Katzman, Leslie Simone. 2003. Influence of plant age, inoculum dosage, and nutrient solution temperature on the development of Pythium aphanidermatum in hydroponic spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) production systems. PhD Dissertation, Cornell University. Ithaca, NY 14850
The research project was funded by NYSERDA and NYSEG.
