Effect of selenite and inulin on the Capsicum annuum L. - Phytophthora capsici interaction in greenhouse

Abstract

Capsicum annuum L. is a crop of great economic importance in Mexico and is severely affected by the wilt caused by Phytophthora capsici. The objective of this work was to determine the effect of selenite and inulin on the incidence of Phytophthora capsici and the growth of serrano pepper plants (Capsicum annuum L.) in greenhouse. Seedlings 30 days after sowing were treated twice with selenite (100 μM) (Se + PHC) or inulin (200 μM) (I + PHC) per application to the base of the plants: 10 days before and at the time of inoculation with P. capsici (PHC). A PHC control and an absolute control without treatment or inoculation were included. After two weeks of treatment, the control seedlings remained without symptoms, while those inoculated with PHC, and those treated with selenite and inulin and inoculated showed a survival rate of 0, 80 and 40%, respectively. The height was higher in the control seedlings. In plants treated with selenite and inoculated a seedling fresh mass was higher than in the PHC and I + PHC, treatments. The viability of the root was similar in the treatments with selenite and inulin and decreased in the seedlings inoculated with PHC. Selenite was more effective than inulin in reducing the incidence of the disease, increasing the fresh mass and maintaining the viability of the plant tissue. The results suggest the potential use of selenite and inulin in the integral management of P. capsici.

Keywords

• incidence
• fructans
• plant protection
• selenium
• symptoms of wilt