Description:
Tests were conducted to evaluate efficacy of dry heat (82.2°C for 10, 20, and 60 minutes) to reduce
colonization by selected fungi within styroblock containers and residual seedling roots left in containers
after seedling extraction. Dry heat alone was generally ineffective in significantly reducing fungal
colonization. However, simply wetting container surfaces with water prior to treatment greatly improved
efficacy. Fungi were readily killed both on container surfaces and within residual seedling roots when a
thin film of water was present on containers prior to heat treatment. Fusarium species differed in their
susceptibility to heat treatment. Wetting containers and exposure to dry heat is an effective alternative to
hot water immersion for styroblock sanitization.