Behavior and Use of Quaternary Ammonium-Based Disinfectants in Biosafety Protocols Against Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense Race 1 and Tropical Race 4

Abstract

The banana is one of Colombia's main export products. However, production is seriously affected by Fusarium wilt of Banana (FWB), which is the most destructive disease caused by the fungus Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense Tropical Race 4 (Foc TR4). Currently, management strategies focus on containment and biosecurity protocols to prevent its spread to territories that are free of this disease. This study aimed to evaluate 9 quaternary ammonium-based disinfectants (QAC) in vitro in Colombia on reproductive (microconidia and macroconidia) and resistance structures (chamydospores) of Foc Race 1 (R1) and Tropical Race 4 (TR4), with and without soil, to determine the influence of organic matter and soil texture on the action of QACs. A method for inhibiting the action of QACs was standardized and evaluated at 1,200 ppm with a contact time of ≤ 30 seconds, while evaluating the soil-inoculum and soil-disinfectant interaction. The efficacy of QACs was 100% in the reproductive and resistance structures of Foc R1 and TR4 without soil and in the soil-inoculum interaction. However, in the soil-disinfectant interaction, only QAC4 controlled the pathogen at 100%. The presence of organic matter influenced the biocidal action of the QACs, and fine textures had a greater reducing effect on the concentration. Soil decreased the efficacy of the QACs and, therefore, must be removed from contaminated boots before treatments are applied.

Fusarium Tropical Race 4 in Latin America and the Caribbean: status and global research advances towards disease management

“…The effectiveness of disinfectants has been tested in numerous trials ( Table 2 ). Studies conducted without the presence of soil have shown that all Quaternary Ammonium Compounds (QACs) are effective against TR4 ( Nguyen et al., 2019 ; Izquierdo-García et al., 2021 ; Salacinas et al., 2022 ; Arango-Palacio et al., 2023 ). Notably, didecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, 10%-30% (DDAC) and benzalkonium chloride 10% - 25% (BC) disinfectants at a 1% concentration were able to eliminate spores of both TR4 and R1 ( Nguyen et al., 2019 ).…”

“…More research is needed to identify affordable and effective disinfectants for the region. Studies with Foc R1, prevalent in many TR4-free countries, could serve as a model for pre-emptive research on disinfectants and other management measures ( Izquierdo-García et al., 2021 ; Arango-Palacio et al., 2023 ).…”