Seed transmission of Itersonilia pastinacae in parsnip and its elimination by a steam-air treatment

Abstract

The fungus Itersonilia pastinacae Channon, which causes parsnip canker, was found to persist both on the surface of parsnip seed and also in the trash associated with the seed. The fungus on the seed coat could be inactivated by chemical surface sterilization. However, to inactivate it from the trash, it was necessary to treat the seed sample with a steam-air mixture at a temperature of 45.5°C for 30 minutes.