Previous View
 
APSnet Home
 
Phytopathology Home


VIEW ARTICLE

Effect of Chlorine on Peronospora trifoliorum Sporangial Production and Germination. P. M. Fried, Graduate Research Assistant, Department of Plant Pathology, Kansas State University, Manhattan 66506; D. L. Stuteville, Research Plant Pathologist, Department of Plant Pathology, Kansas State University, Manhattan 66506. Phytopathology 65:929-930. DOI: 10.1094/Phyto-65-929.

Tap water (500 ml containing 0.5 µg/ml chlorine) placed below, but not in contact with, infected alfalfa plants in a 12.5-liter airtight chamber apparently released chlorine and other unidentified volatile chemicals that reduced Peronospora trifoliorum sporangial production 83% and sporangial germination 40%. The tap water was nontoxic after addition of sodium thiosulfate, or 24 hours of exposure to air in a shallow tray. When chlorine gas was added to deionized water at rates of 0, 0.25, 0.5, and 1 µg/ml, 44, 28, 20, and 0 sporangia × 103/plant, respectively, were produced that germinated 86, 78, and 62%, respectively.

Additional keywords: air pollution.