Effect of biological soil disinfestation on ethanol-irrigated Shimajiri Mahji soil against bitter gourd diseases in Miyako Island, Okinawa, Japan
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: In Okinawa Main Island, an effect of biological soil disinfestation (BSD) was elucidated on Jahgaru soil. In Miyako Island, a part of Okinawa Prefecture, farming land is covered with a dark-red neutral soil called Shimajiri Mahji. Bitter gourd, Goya, a most popular vegetable in Okinawa, is commonly cultivated on Shimajiri Mahji in Miyako Island. Unfortunately, several diseases, such as Fusarium wilt, bacterial wilt, and root-knot disease by plant-parasitic nematodes often occurred when cultivating Goya. And weeds around cultivated Goya often prevent the growth of it and can reduce the yield production. In this study, to elucidate an effect of BSD against these diseases and weeds contamination, the detailed conditions of BSD suitable on Shimajiri Mahji in Miyako Island were investigated. Based on the results, it was inferred that BSD with air leakage considerably weakens the effects and that conducted with larger air space above soil after covering weakened the effects more. Besides, a concentration of ethanol, 0.5% ~ 2.0% (not 0.25%) should be used to obtain more effective against Fusarium cugenangense, Ralstonia pseudosolanacearum, and plant-parastic nematodes. Additionally, BSD-treated soil irrigated with 0.5% ECOLOGA ~ L® (corresponds to 0.5% ethanol solution) in the field sterilized these pathogens and plant-parastic nematodes and completely prevented weeds contamination. In particular, soaking soil thoroughly with 0.5% ~ 2.0% EtOH are required to sterilize R. pseudosolanacearum.
Source: Australasian Plant Pathology
Authors: Takashi Hanagasaki, Atsushi Ajitomi
Institution: Okinawa Prefectural Agricultural Research Center
Language: English
Subfield: Plant Science
Domain: Life Sciences
SDGs: Zero hunger, Life on land
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7160051153