Developing Effective Treatments for Eradication of Xanthomonas cucurbitae in Pumpkin Seed

Developing Effective Treatments for Eradication of Xanthomonas cucurbitae in Pumpkin Seed

Summary

Bacterial spot, caused by Xanthomonas cucurbitae, is an emerging and important disease of pumpkins in Illinois and other Midwestern states. Developing strategies for effective management of this disease is essential for survival of pumpkin industry in Illinois and other pumpkin growing areas in the United States (US). X. cucurbitae is a seedborne pathogen. Thus, eradication of seedborne inoculum is an important step in effective management of the disease. This research was conducted to develop effective seed treatment for eradication of seedborne inoculum. In this study, we tested the efficacy of three seed treatments, which were hot-water, hydrochloric acid, and sodium hypochlorite treatments. The effects of the treatments on eradication of seedborne inoculum, seed germination, and seedling vigor were evaluated in the laboratory and greenhouse trials. The results from this study indicated that hydrochloric acid treatment and hot-water treatment eradicated X. cucurbitae carried on/in pumpkin seeds without any significant adverse effect on seed germination or seedling vigor.

Objectives/Performance Targets

The objective of this project was to develop reliable seed treatments for eradication of Xanthomonas cucurbitae in pumpkin seed. We have made significant progress in accomplishing our goal and we expect to achieved the objective by the end of the target date.

Accomplishments/Milestones

At this time, hot-water seed treatment and hydrochloric acid treatment appear to be more effective treatments for eradication of the pathogen in the seeds without adverse effect on seed germination or seedling vigor.

Impacts and Contributions/Outcomes

The outcome of this project is expected to offer effective management of seedborne inoculum of the pathogen. Effective seed-treatment will be a significant component of the strategies for effective management of bacterial spot disease in pumpkins. 

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