Volatilized, slightly acidic electrolyzed water suppresses gray mold on cut rose flowers

Abstract

Electrolyzed water has sterilizing power against bacterial and fungal pathogens. Here we volatilized slightly acidic electrolyzed water (SAEW) using a forced-air volatilizing system and tested its efficacy against Botrytis cinerea, which causes gray mold, on cut roses stored in high humidity. The volatilized SAEW inhibited germination of conidia and development of gray mold on petals treated with at least 10,000 μg/m² of free available chlorine (FAC). Treatment of volatilized SAEW with 20,000 μg/m² of FAC inhibited gray mold on cut flowers densely packed in a bucket for transport to the market. The volatilized SAEW inhibited disease development on cut flowers with naturally adhering B. cinerea. Importantly, the volatilized SAEW does not wet the flowers. These results provide new insight into practical use of the treatment to prevent gray mold on cut roses.