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Home → Publications → Seed and Seedling Diseases in the Western US → Effects of Dry Heat Treatment of Styroblock Containers on Colonization by Selected Fungi

Effects of Dry Heat Treatment of Styroblock Containers on Colonization by Selected Fungi

Tests were conducted to evaluate efficacy of dry heat (82.2°C for 10, 20, and 60 minutes) to reduce colonization by selected fungi within styroblock containers and residual seedling roots left in containers after seedling extraction. Dry heat alone was generally ineffective in significantly reducing fungal colonization. However, simply wetting container surfaces with water prior to treatment greatly improved efficacy. Fungi were readily killed both on container surfaces and within residual seedling roots when a thin film of water was present on containers prior to heat treatment. Fusarium species differed in their susceptibility to heat treatment. Wetting containers and exposure to dry heat is an effective alternative to hot water immersion for styroblock sanitization.


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Author(s): USDA Forest Service