Evaluation of cold plasma activated water composite reagent on kiwifruit plants with bacterial canker and the external qualities of kiwifruit after spray treatment

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of cold plasma activated water (PAW) and its complex solution (PKC) in conjunction with kasugamycin copper oxychloride wettable powder (KC) against kiwifruit bacterial canker (KBC) caused by Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae (PSA). Through morphological identification and 16S rDNA sequence analysis, Pantoea agglomerans was identified as the pathogen responsible for KBC in the 'Bairui' orchard. Results indicated that PKC exhibited the highest effectiveness in controlling KBC, particularly on mildly (II) infested plants, with a remarkable reduction of 63.64 % in PKC II disease index and a control efficiency of 38.64 %. Additionally, the application of PKC significantly increased fruit yield, improved fruit weight, and enhanced fruit morphology, resulting in a more uniform and refined fruit shape. Analysis of fruit skin conformational parameters revealed that KBC-affected fruit exhibited reduced hardness and brittleness, increased toughness, and thinner skin. These findings are pivotal for developing effective strategies to further prevent and manage KBC outbreaks. In future studies, further investigations could focus on elucidating the mechanism of action of PAW in complex solution with copper-based pesticides and the potential mechanism of inactivation of PSA.