Effectiveness of electron beam irradiation in the control of Rhizoctonia solani

Effectiveness of electron beam irradiation was evaluated against Rhizoctonia solani, which is one of the most dangerous soil-borne pathogen, causing stem base and root rot of many horticultural plants. Treatment of in vitro cultures with 0.5 kGy significantly inhibited the pathogen's growth and the spread of necrosis on chrysanthemum leaf blades inoculated with the irradiated cultures. Application of e-beam irradiation for peat disinfection resulted in a two-fold decrease rot development in chrysanthemum stem at a dose of 5 kGy and complete inhibition at 10 kGy. For the elimination of R. solani from composted pine bark and its mixture with peat, irradiation of both substrates with 15 kGy was necessary.