Control of root rot of Russell prairie gentian (Eustoma grandiflorum) caused by Fusarium solani in hydroponic culture using a mixture of benomyl

Abstract

For stable growth and root rot control of Russell prairie gentian (Eustoma grandiflorum) flowers in hydroponic culture, we tested various applications of a benomyl hydrator in a 50.0% mix (w/w) with benomyl applied by overhead irrigation. At either 500×- or 1,000×-dilution of the hydrator/plug tray 1 day before transplantation of seedlings root rot caused by Fusarium solani was suppressed. Benomyl and its decomposition product, carbendazim were barely detected in the nutrient solution after about 2 months. In repeated tests over 2 years, similar results were obtained showing that root rot in Russell prairie gentian caused by Fusarium solani can be controlled using a hydrator with benomyl.