Rapid ʻōhiʻa death (ROD) is caused by two recently described species of Ceratocystis, C. lukuohia and C. huliohia. These fungi are decimating ʻōhiʻa lehua (Metrosideros polymorpha), the keystone native tree species of Hawaiʻi. Viable Ceratocystis propagules can persist in ambrosia beetle frass (Coleoptera: Scolytinae), and movement of the frass may play a key role in the spread of the disease. In order to prevent the spread of ROD, we developed effective and practical surface (e.g., tools and shoes) decontamination methods to be used by researchers, managers, and the public alike. We first tested different household and laboratory disinfectants on the Ceratocystis fungi in culture, and then we applied the effective culture disinfectants to contaminated ambrosia beetle frass. Laboratory-grade ethanol (70, 80, and 95%), Clorox bleach (10%, 0.825% active ingredient [a.i.]), and isopropanol (70 and 91%), were all equally effective at decontaminating cultured C. lukuohia and C. huliohia. Although all concentrations of isopropanol (50, 70, and 90%) and ethanol (50, 70, and 90%) were effective disinfectants of Ceratocystis-contaminated frass, treatments of frass with up to 20% Clorox bleach (1.2% a.i.) were not completely adequate at killing the fungus. These data reveal that bleach is not a sufficient ROD disinfectant when frass is present, and isopropanol or ethanol are the more reliable options.
Decontamination of Ceratocystis pathogens responsible for rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death
Plant Health Progress
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- Data Release: USGS data release - Hawai'i Rapid 'Ohi'a Death Decontamination 2019-2020
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Abstract
Study Area
| Publication type | Article |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
| Title | Decontamination of Ceratocystis pathogens responsible for rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death |
| Series title | Plant Health Progress |
| DOI | 10.1094/PHP-06-20-0051-RS |
| Volume | 21 |
| Year Published | 2020 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | American Phytopathological Society |
| Contributing office(s) | Pacific Island Ecosystems Research Center |
| Description | 5 p. |
| First page | 301 |
| Last page | 305 |
| Country | United States |
| State | Hawaii |
| Google Analytic Metrics | Metrics page |