Effect of High Temperature on Inhibtion of the Growth of Bacterial Wilt Pathogen (Ralstonia solanacearum) in Soil

Abstract

This study was carried out to examine the efficacy of heat treatment on soil for the control of bacterial wilt (Ralstonia solanacearum). The viability of Ralstonia solanacearum was tested in both wet and dry soils under simulated elevated temperatures in either constant, cyclic or short temperature regimes. In wet soil, viability was reduced to zero by a constant temperature of 45°C and above for 2 day or a temperature of 60°C for 2 h. Viability of Ralstonia solanacearum was reduced to zero by a 2 h temperature cycle for 2 days at 50°C or 3 days at 45°C. In dry soil at 55°C, a 1-day constant temperature or at 45°C a 2 days 2 h temperature cycle reduced Ralstonia solanacearum viability by 87.5 and 37.5%, respectively. Data on time and temperature relationships on loss in viability of Ralstonia solanacearum in soil could be used to predict efficacy of soil solarization.