Development of Alginate-Based Artificial Plant Tissues for Trapping Pythium Aphanidermatum Causing Vegetable Root Rot in Hydroponic Growing Systems

Surachat Sinworn; Nuttabodee Viriyawattana

Authors

Surachat Sinworn Occupational Health and Safety Program, Faculty of Science and Technology, Suan Dusit University, Bangkok 10700
Nuttabodee Viriyawattana Occupational Health and Safety Program, Faculty of Science and Technology, Suan Dusit University, Bangkok 10700

Keywords:

Synthesis, Artificial plant tissues, Hydroponics, Trapping

Abstract

The objective of this study was to synthesize and evaluate the efficiency of artificial plant tissues made from alginate at various concentrations for trapping Pythium Aphanidermatum, a fungal pathogen responsible for root rot disease in plants grown utilizing hydroponic systems. This pathogen is commonly introduced into hydroponic systems through multiple contamination sources such as seeds, nutrients, hydroponic solutions, water, and fertilizers, leading to widespread and difficult-to-control outbreaks in such systems. The synthesized artificial plant tissues were designed to closely resemble natural plant tissues, enabling P. aphanidermatum spores to germinate and develop germ tubes that penetrate and adhere to the artificial plant tissues in order to absorb nutrients within 24 h. This approach allows for the efficient removal of the pathogen without the use of chemical agents, thus preventing chemical residue accumulation in the hydroponic system. The samples used in this study included artificial plant tissues synthesized from alginate at concentrations of 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, and 5%. These samples were tested for their ability to trap P. aphanidermatum spores within 24 h while being placed on the water circulation grid of the hydroponic system. Additionally, the amount of residual P. aphanidermatum in the nutrient reservoir of the hydroponic system (prior to re-entry into the circulation loop) was analyzed. The results indicated that the artificial plant tissue synthesized from 3% alginate exhibited the highest average retention of P. aphanidermatum, with 9.43 colonies per unit area. Moreover, it resulted in the lowest residual amount of P. aphanidermatum in the water reservoir after 24 h, averaging 6 colonies/mL.

Author Biography

Surachat Sinworn, Occupational Health and Safety Program, Faculty of Science and Technology, Suan Dusit University, Bangkok 10700

M. Eng. (safety engineering) Ph.D. (Land use and ฯ)

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