Electrolyzed Oxidizing Water Research Articles

Acidic electrolyzed-oxidizing water treatment mitigated the disease progression in Phomopsis longanae Chi-infected longans by modulating ROS and membrane lipid metabolism

Postharvest harmful pathogenic infestation leads to rapid decay in longan fruit. Compared with P. longanae-infected longans, AEOW alleviated fruit disease severity and diminished the O2-. production rate and MDA content. It also increased APX, CAT, and SOD activities, delayed the decrease in the levels of GSH and AsA, as well as the reducing power and DPPH radical scavenging ability, which resulted in a decline in membrane lipid peroxidation in P. longanae-infected longans. Additionally, AEOW reduced LOX, lipase, PI-PLC, PC-PLC, and PLD activities, maintained higher levels of PC, PI, IUFA, USFAs, and U/S, while reducing levels of PA, DAG, SFAs, and CMP. These effects alleviated membrane lipid degradation and peroxidation in P. longanae-infected longans. Consequently, AEOW effectively maintained membrane integrity via improving antioxidant capacity and suppressing membrane lipid peroxidation. This comprehensive coordination of ROS and membrane lipid metabolisms improved fruit resistance and delayed disease development in longans.

Electrolyzed Oxidizing Water in Controlling Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato in Tomato Crops

Bacterial speck disease in tomato crops is caused by Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato. Chemical control is mainly used for the control of phytopathogens, which carries a risk for both human health and the environment, making it necessary to search for environmentally friendly alternatives, such as the use of electrolyzed water. In the present study, preventive treatments were applied to tomato plants of the saladette variety. The treatments employed were electrolyzed oxidizing water (EOW), electrolyzed reduced water (ERW), a commercial bactericide (Kasumin), and untreated plants as the base control. During the vegetative stage, the disease severity, stem diameter, number of leaves, and number of clusters were determined. In addition, the soluble solids (°Brix), titratable acidity (TA), pH, color, polar and equatorial diameter, weight, and weight loss of the harvested fruit were determined. According to the results, the lowest severity was obtained in the plants treated with oxidizing water, achieving results similar to those achieved with the commercial bactericide Kasumin. It can be concluded that oxidizing water can be applied to tomato crops since its effect is similar to that of Kasumin, but without affecting the growth and development of the crop. Moreover, it is environmentally friendly.

Atividade antibacteriana da água eletrolisada sobre Pseudomonas syringae e Clavibacter michiganensis e seu efeito na germinação de sementes

ABSTRACT: Tomato plants are a crop of great economic importance worldwide. Mexico is considered the world’s leading exporter of this vegetable, with a 24% market share. However, this crop can be affected by diseases such as bacterial freckle and bacterial cancer that can be introduced to plantations through infected seeds. Pesticides are used in agriculture for disease control and are considered a source of environmental pollution. Alternatives to the use of pesticides must therefore be sought. To this effect, electrolyzed water is a technology that has been shown to have antimicrobial activity. In this study, the antimicrobial activity of electrolyzed water on Pseudomonas syringaepv. tomato and Clavibactermichiganensis subsp.michiganensis was evaluated on cells suspension and tomato seed germination. Electrolyzed oxidizing water (EOW) and electrolyzed reduced water (ERW) treatments were applied for 1, 3 and 6 minutes. In addition, seeds were infected with each of the bacterial strains separately and electrolyzed water treatments were applied. Results show that oxidizing water is more efficient as an antimicrobial agent, as it achieved 100% growth reduction of the two bacterial strains after one minute of treatment. These treatments did not affect germination percentage, since germination percentages above 90% were obtained in all treatments and the seedlings were not affected in any of the evaluated variables.

Electrolysed oxidising water as a multi-purpose biocide in dental healthcare-A scoping review.

The objective of this scoping review was to map evidence of electrolysed oxidising water (EOW) as a biocide for dental applications of relevance to older people and identify research gaps. EOW is an emerging, "green," and cost-effective biocide. There are no reviews on the landscape of EOW research as either an antiseptic or disinfectant in dental healthcare or its suitability for the oral healthcare of older people. The review follows the PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines. Database searches (Google Scholar, PubMed, Web of Science, Ovid, Scopus and Science Direct) were undertaken using MESH terms and Boolean operators with no date restrictions, to identify full-text, original reports published in English-language peer-reviewed journals. The search yielded 114 papers that met the inclusion/exclusion criteria. Dental applications of EOW include its use as an endodontic irrigant (39%); mouth rinse/surgical irrigant (21%); disinfectant for dental unit water lines (19%) and dental biomaterials (17%); and for antimicrobial efficacy, effects on oral tissues and on dental material properties. Most studies (83%) evaluated a single EOW formulation (acidic, moderately acidic or neutral) that was either generated at 'point-of-use' (POU; 72%), bottled ('ready-to-use', RTU; 24%) or from unspecified (3%) sources. Six reports evaluated storage-related parameters and 25 evaluated clinical applications; 89 were in vitro studies and one investigated the cost-effectiveness of POU EOW. Neutral-pH, EOW is effective as an antimicrobial agent without deleterious effects on oral tissues. However, research on the impact of storage conditions, anti-Candida biofilm efficacy and mechanism of action against yeasts, long-term effects on denture materials and cost-effectiveness is required to establish the suitability of EOW as a multipurpose biocide for dental healthcare, including infection-control requirements relating to older people.

Storage-related stability and antimicrobial efficacy of bottled, neutral-pH Electrolysed Oxidising Water

ObjectivesDenture stomatitis is prevalent in older people and poses serious health risks. Ready-to-use (RTU) neutral-pH Electrolysed Oxidizing Water (EOW) is an effective environmental disinfectant used in residential care settings and geriatric wards. However, the influence of storage on stability and effectiveness for denture disinfection has not been established. This research investigated the storage-related stability and antimicrobial activity of RTU EOW, and its efficacy against Candida albicans biofilms formed on denture resin. MethodsThe pH, oxidation/reduction potential (mV), available chlorine content (mg/L) and [HOCl] (mM) of RTU EOW (Envirolyte, New Zealand) solutions (n = 22) were measured from bottle opening to 28 days following storage at 4 °C, room temperature (RT) or 37 °C. Staphylococcus aureus and C. albicans cells were incubated in 80% EOW for contact times (CTs) up to 15 min and colony-forming units (cfu) determined. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC90 EOW-HOCl) after CTs up to five minutes were determined for S. aureus and C. albicans reference strains and clinical isolates. C. albicans-denture resin disc biofilms were assessed after a five-minute CT with undiluted EOW by XTT-metabolic activity assay. Results[HOCl] remained stable when RTU EOW was stored at 4 °C or RT for five months after manufacture. One-minute CT resulted in log10 cfu reductions of >6 for S. aureus and >5 for C. albicans. Mean MIC90 for five-minute CT was 37 µM (S. aureus) and 54 µM (C. albicans). Undiluted EOW reduced C. albicans biofilm metabolic activity by 86%. ConclusionsRTU neutral-pH EOW is stable over five-months storage and is an effective denture disinfectant. Clinical significanceThe efficacy of the RTU neutral EOW against C. albicans isolates and biofilms formed on denture resin surfaces supports its use as a denture disinfectant and can inform future research to assess its potential for preventing denture-related oral Candida infections in the older population, especially in resource-limited communities.

Effects of acidic electrolyzed-oxidizing water treatment on the postharvest physiology, storability, and quality properties of navel orange fruit

Postharvest navel oranges are susceptible to fruit spoilage and quality deterioration, which restricts their storage-life and commercial values. Acidic electrolyzed-oxidizing water (AEOW) is a safe, economic and environmentally friendly postharvest treatment method that can maintain the quality of fresh products and prolong their storage life. Effects of AEOW with pH 2.5 and 75 mg/L of available chlorine concentration (ACC) on the storability and quality properties of ‘Newhall’ navel orange fruit during postharvest storage from 0 to 180 d were detected. Compared with the control group, AEOW-treated navel oranges displayed a lower respiration rate and cell membrane permeability, lower occurrence of fruit disease and weight loss, a higher commercially acceptable fruit rate, higher values of L*, b*, C as well as h°, and lower values of a* and citrus color index. Moreover, samples treated with AEOW were able to maintain higher contents of flesh carotenoid, flavonoid, and total phenolics. The AEOW treatment was conducive to maintaining higher fruit firmness and postponing the decomposition of flesh total soluble solids, total soluble sugar, sucrose sugar, reducing sugar, and vitamin C, and maintaining higher titratable acidity of navel oranges during storage. These findings corroborated that the AEOW treatment could be a means for maintaining quality attributes and improving the storability of navel oranges.

Effectiveness of Nitazoxanide and Electrolyzed Oxiding Water in Treating Chagas Disease in a Canine Model.

Chagas disease (CD) is caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi, and affects seven million people in Latin America. Side effects and the limited efficacy of current treatment have led to new drug research. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effectiveness of nitazoxanide (NTZ) and electrolyzed oxidizing water (EOW) in a canine model of experimental CD. Náhuatl dogs were infected with the T. cruzi H8 strain and NTZ- or EOW-treated orally for 10 days. Seronegativity was shown at 12 months post-infection (mpi) in the NTZ-, EOW-, and benznidazole (BNZ)-treated groups. The NTZ and BNZ groups had high levels of IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-12B, and IL-1β at 1.5 mpi and low levels of IL-10. Electrocardiographic studies showed alterations from 3 mpi and worsening at 12 mpi; NTZ treatment produced fewer cardiac pathomorphological changes compared to EOW, similar to BNZ treatment. There was no cardiomegaly in any group. In conclusion, although NTZ and EOW did not prevent changes in cardiac conductivity, they were able to avoid the severity of heart damage in the chronic phase of CD. NTZ induced a favorable proinflammatory immune response after infection, being a better option than EOW as a possible treatment for CD after BNZ.

Roughening Action of NaCl-Electrolytic Oxidizing Water on Rolled Surface of Permalloy 45

This paper discusses roughening action of NaCl-electrolytic oxidizing water (hereinafter it is referred as EO water) on the rolled surface of permalloy 45. Firstly, in the case of roughening treatment by immersion into NaCl EO water, the experiment to confirm the presence or absence of local non-uniform roughening areas on the rolled surface after roughening treatment was carried out. The results showed that unlike the polished surface, the rolled surface does not generate local non-uniform roughening areas. Next, experiments on the immersion time into NaCl EO water and the roughening performance was carried out. The results showed that the rolled surface can be uniformly roughened by immersion into NaCl EO water for 20 minutes with ultrasonic, but it cannot be roughened by HCl solution. Lastly, experiments on NaCl EO water elapsed time from generation and roughening performance was carried out. The results showed that even after one week has passed from generation of NaCl EO water, the roughening action to the rolled surface of permalloy 45 hardly changes. The presence of oxygen nanobubbles in the NaCl EO water is considered to be one of the major factors. By this study, we received the suggestion that NaCl EO water could be applied to the surface roughening treatment of permalloy 45.

Plasma-enhanced microbial electrolytic disinfection: Decoupling electro- and plasma-chemistry in plasma-electrolyzed oxidizing water using ion-exchange membranes

Pathogenic microorganisms pose a global threat to public health and environment. Common antibacterial chemicals produce toxic residues, inevitably harming the environment. Electrolyzed oxidizing water (EOW), a promising environment-friendly alternative disinfectant, still lacks effective production processes, sufficient bactericidal efficacy and stability, while the enabling physico-chemical mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we report, for the first time, an effective hybrid plasma electrochemical EOW production process and reveal the mechanisms by combining nonthermal plasmas and a two-chamber electrochemical cell separated by a cation exchange membrane (CEM) for decoupling the chemical reactions during the plasma treatment of water. Experimental results demonstrate that combined chlorine (chloramine) was the main chlorine product in the plasma-enhanced EOW (P-EOW) without a membrane, owing to the consumption of free chlorine (Cl2, HOCl, ClO−) by plasma-generated reactive nitrogen species. With a CEM in the plasma electrolysis system and through controlling the plasma discharge polarity, the production of free chlorine and other reactive species can be selectively controlled, with the highest concentration of free chlorine obtained in the negative plasma-enhanced EOW (NP-EOW). According to the transportation of cations by the CEM, the high concentrations of free chlorine may be attributed to the higher consuptions of H+ in cathode cell of negative plasma. The study of antibacterial ability of EOW produced under different conditions revealed that Staphylococcus aureus cells were best inactivated by the NP-EOW with CEM, which is mainly attributed to the higher concentration of free chlorine. This study demonstrates the feasibility of plasma-enhanced microbial electrolytic disinfection and offers new insights into the fundamental aspects of P-EOW chemistries for the future development of sustainable, efficient, and cost-effective multipurpose sustainable chemical technologies for water research and treatment.

Investigation of Changes in Color and Textural Quality Characteristics of Arugula (Eruca vesicaria) by Disinfectant Treatments

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of the treatment of tap water (control), sodium hypochlorite (SH), electrolyzed oxidizing water (EOW), and hydrogen peroxide (HP) on the color, texture, and sensory properties of the Eruca vesicaria as a quality criterion. For this purpose, three different concentrations (25, 50, and 75 ppm) and three different times (1, 3, and 5 min) were applied in all three washing processes. There weren’t statistically significant differences in objective (color and texture) and subjective (sensory) results in all three washing processes in terms of both concentration and time. Thus, it was determined that these processes did not have a negative effect on the quality of green leafy vegetables.

Effect of salt concentration on the properties of electrolyzed reducing water (ERW) and electrolyzed oxidizing water (EOW): an empirical correlation study

This research aimed to examine the effect of NaCl concentration on the pH and Oxidation Reduction Potential (ORP) values of both EOW and ERW products. The experiment was conducted using distilled water. The electrolysis apparatus consisted of anode and cathode chambers. The chambers were connected by a tube filled with a cotton (or a fabric). Both electrodes (anode and cathode) were made of titanium and formed as a spiral. Electrolysis was performed for 780 minutes, and the pH and ORP values of both EOW and ERW were measured every time. Sodium chloride concentration was varied for 0, 100, and 200 ppm. Experimental results revealed that the higher the NaCl concentration, the higher ERW’s pH rise and the lower the EOW’s pH. Similar results were found for ORP. ERW’s ORP was lowered while EOW’s ORP rose with the increase in NaCl concentration. This study could also generate a mathematical model that correlates pH and time during the electrolysis process. The model was developed by connecting with a simple polynomial. A similar approach was used to develop the model that correlates pH and ORP value.

Influence of NaCl-Electrolytic Oxidizing Water on Polished Surface of Permalloy Material 45

This paper discusses the influence of NaCl-electrolytic oxidizing water (hereinafter it is referred as EO water) on the polished surface of permalloy material 45. Firstly, roughening treatment experiment on polished surface of permalloy material 45 before and after heat treatment, using NaCl EO water and HCl solution with ultrasonic, was carried out. The results showed that when using HCl solution, the surface of permalloy material 45 couldn't be uniformly roughened, while when using NaCl EO water, it could be uniformly roughened. In addition, as with Na2SO4 EO water, circular non-uniform roughening areas was generated locally on the surface of test pieces after the immersion treatment. According to EDS analysis, it is due to the adhesion of abrasive (Al2O3) and component segregation. Next, in order to clarify the chemical composition of the surface layer of the test pieces and the contamination of Cl and Al, EDS mapping analysis was performed on the surface of test pieces after the immersion treatment. The results showed that similar to Na2SO4 EO water, NaCl EO water does not adversely affect the chemical composition of the surface layer of test pieces, the amount of abrasive (Al2O3) adhered is small, and there is almost no contamination by Cl. By this study, we received the suggestion that NaCl EO water could be applied to the surface roughening treatment of permalloy material 45.

Effectiveness of electrolyzed oxidizing water on fungi and mycotoxins in food

Electrolyzed oxidizing water (EOW) can be considered in the agrofood industry as a new antimicrobial agent with disinfectant, detoxifying, and shelf-life improvement properties. EOW is produced by electrolysis of water, with no added chemicals, except for sodium chloride. The antifungal and detoxifying mechanisms of EOW depend mainly on: pH, oxidation-reduction potential (ORP), and available chlorine concentration (ACC). EOW offers many advantages over other conventional chemical methods, including less adverse chemical residues, safe-handling, secure, energy-saving, cost-effective, and environmentally-friendly. As a result, EOW could be used for the development of safer and more socially acceptable methods for fungi decontamination and mycotoxin detoxification. This review contains an overview of EOW effectiveness to decontaminate non-toxigenic and mycotoxigenic fungi, its safety and efficacy for mycotoxin detoxification, the proposed mechanism of action of EOW on fungal cells, and the chemical mechanism of action of EOW on mycotoxins. Finally, conclusions and future research necessities are also outlined.

Virus transmission by ultrasonic scaler and its prevention by antiviral agent: An in vitro study.

BackgroundIt is well recognized that dental procedures represent a potential way of infection transmission. With the COVID‐19 pandemic, the focus of dental procedure associated transmission has rapidly changed from bacteria to viruses. The aim was to develop an experimental setup for testing the spread of viruses by ultrasonic scaler (USS) generated dental spray and evaluate its mitigation by antiviral coolants.MethodsIn a virus transmission tunnel, the dental spray was generated by USS with saline coolant and suspension of Equine Arteritis Virus (EAV) delivered to the USS tip. Virus transmission by settled droplets was evaluated with adherent RK13 cell lines culture monolayer. The suspended droplets were collected by a cyclone aero‐sampler. Antiviral activity of 0.25% NaOCl and electrolyzed oxidizing water (EOW) was tested using a suspension test. Antiviral agents' transmission prevention ability was evaluated by using them as a coolant.ResultsIn the suspension test with 0.25% NaOCl or EOW, the TCID50/mL was below the detection limit after 5 seconds. With saline coolant, the EAV‐induced cytopathic effect on RK13 cells was found up to the distance of 45 cm, with the number of infected cells decreasing with distance. By aero‐sampler, viral particles were detected in concentration ≤4.2 TCID50/mL. With both antiviral agents used as coolants, no EAV‐associated RK‐13 cell infection was found.ConclusionWe managed to predictably demonstrate EAV spread by droplets because of USS action. More importantly, we managed to mitigate the spread by a simple substitution of the USS coolant with NaOCl or EOW.

Influence of Na<sub>2</sub>SO<sub>4</sub>-Electrlytic Oxidizing Water on Polishing Surface of Oxygen Free Copper

This paper discusses the influence of Na2SO4-electrolytic oxidizing water (hereinafter it is referred as EO water) on the polished surface of oxygen free copper. Firstly, the Impact elucidation experiment against the polished surface of oxygen free copper, using Na2SO4 EO water and H2SO4 solution, and with or without ultrasonic, was carried out. The results showed the etching marks when immersed in Na2SO4 EO water are remarkable, compared to the H2SO4 solution, and there was almost no difference with or without the ultrasound. Next, the Impact elucidation experiment against the polished surface of oxygen free copper was also conducted after the heat treatment, was carried out. The results showed on the surface of the test piece after the immersion treatment, protrusions are generated when immersed into H2SO4 solution, but almost no protrusions are generated when immersed into the N2SO4 EO water. Lastly, the cause of protrusions was clarified by the verification experiments. By this study, we received the suggestion that a surface of oxygen free copper with higher accuracy can be obtained.

Recent trends and applications of electrolyzed oxidizing water in fresh foodstuff preservation and safety control

With the growing demand for safe and nutritious foods, some novel food nonthermal sterilization technologies were developed in recent years. Electrolyzed oxidizing water (EOW) has the characteristics of strong antimicrobial ability, wide sterilization range, and posing no threat to the humans and environment. Furthermore, EOW can be used as a green disinfectant to replace conventional production water used in the food industry since it can be converted to the ordinary water after sterilization. This review summarizes recent developments of the EOW technology in food industry. It also reviews the preparation principles, physical and chemical characteristics, antimicrobial mechanisms of EOW, and inactivation of toxins using EOW. In addition, this study highlights the applications of EOW in food preservation and safety control, as well as the future prospects of this novel technology. EOW is a promising nonthermal sterilization technology that has great potential for applications in the food industry.

Kinetic Modeling of Slightly Acidic Electrolyzed Water Decay Characteristics in Fresh Cabbage Disinfection Against Human Norovirus.

To consistently disinfect fresh vegetables efficiently, the decay of disinfectants such as chlorine, electrolyzed oxidizing water (EOW), ozonated water, and plasma-activated water during the disinfection maintenance stage needs to be understood. The aim of our study was to evaluate the changes in the inactivation kinetics of slightly acidic electrolyzed water (SAEW) against human norovirus (HuNoV), based on the cabbage-to-SAEW ratio. After disinfection of fresh cabbage with disinfected SAEW solution, SAEW samples were collected and analyzed for physicochemical properties such as pH, available chlorine concentrations (ACCs), and oxidation-reduction potential (ORP). SAEW virucidal effects were evaluated. We confirmed the decay of post-disinfection SAEW solution and demonstrated the different patterns of the decay kinetic model for HuNoV GI.6 and GII.4. In addition, the goodness of fit of the tested models based on a lower Akaike information criterion, root-mean-square error (RMSE), and residual sum of squares (RSS) was close to zero. In particular, the change in both the HuNoV GI.6 and GII.4 inactivation exhibited a strong correlation with the changes in the ACC of post-disinfection SAEW. These findings demonstrate that physicochemical parameters of SAEW play a key role in influencing the kinetic behavior of changes in the disinfection efficiency of SAEW during the disinfection process. Therefore, to optimize the efficiency of SAEW, it is necessary to optimize the produce-to-SAEW ratio in future studies.

Alginate Coating and Electrolyzed Oxidizing Water: Their Antimicrobial Effects against Inoculated Listeria Monocytogenes on Salmon Fillets

Introduction: This study was conducted to evaluate to investigate the inhibitory effect of alginate coating and EOW on listeria monocytogenes in fish samples during 12 days in cold storage condition (at 4˚c). Methods: First, fish fillets were inoculated with listeria monocytogenes, and they were divided into different groups. Then, treated samples including control (no coating), distilled water, alginate, EOW, alginate coating along with EOW were stored at refrigeration temperature. The fillets were kept at 4° C, and the bacterial count was performed on days: 0, 2, 4, 8, and 12. Results: Both individual and combined use of alginate and electrolyzedoxidizing water can significantly inhibit the growth of listeria monocytogenes inoculated compared to control samples, so that the maximum reduction in EOW & alginate treatment (1.37 log CFU / g) was observed. Conclusion: According to the obtained results, it is recommended to use alginate coating along with electrolysis water in fish to improve safety against listeria monocytogenes.

Characterization of pharmaco-EEG fingerprint and sleep-wake profiles of Lavandula angustifolia Mill. essential oil inhalation and diazepam administration in rats

Ethnopharmacological relevanceLavandula angustifolia Mill. Essential oil (Lavender EO) has a long history of medicinal use and is particularly claimed to possess anxiolytic and sedative properties. Lavender EO aromatherapy has been used to reduce distress and improve insomnia naturally. Increasing evidence appeared to show similarities between the effects of lavender EO and the anxiolytic drugs, benzodiazepines. However, its effects on sleep-wake and electrical brain patterns in comparison to that of the standard anxiolytic, diazepam, remained to be explored. Aim of the studyThe aim of this work was to investigate electroencephalography (EEG) profiles and sleep-pattern elicited by lavender EO inhalation compared to that of diazepam, a standard anxiolytic drug in in vivo rat model. Materials and methodsAdult male Wistar rats were anesthetized for electrode implantation on the frontal and parietal skulls. EEG signals were recorded for 180 min following intraperitoneal injection of diazepam (10 mg/kg) or during continuous inhalation of lavender EO (200 μL) or distilled water (control). Fast Fourier transform was used for the analyses of EEG power spectra and sleep-wake parameters. ResultsDuring a 30–60 min period, diazepam and lavender EO significantly increased frontal powers of 0.78–45.31 and 7.03–18.36 Hz, respectively. Both treatments also increased parietal powers with lower magnitudes of significant change. Significant increases in some frequency ranges remained until a 60–90 min period. Sleep-wake analyses also revealed that diazepam significantly reduced time spent in wake, increased time spent in non-rapid eye movement (NREM), increased episode duration of NREM, decreased numbers of wake episode and decreased rapid eye movement (REM) sleep latency. On the other hand, lavender EO only significantly decreased wake episodes and latency to REM sleep. Lavender EO inhalation reduced numbers of wake episode but maintain normal time spent in wake, NREM and REM sleeps. ConclusionsThese findings might suggest beneficial and distinct anxiolytic-like effects of lavender EO for sleep enhancing purposes.

Evaluation of Electrolysed Oxidizing Water for European Pear Rust Management on Pear (Pyrus cv. Conference)

Pear rust is a foliar pathogen of ornamental and fruiting pear trees. Unmanaged, yield and aesthetic losses can be severe. Over-reliance on synthetic fungicides means novel means of pathogen management are required. Field trials were conducted using pear (Pyrus cv. Conference) to assess the efficacy of electrolysed oxidizing water (EO water) as a rust protective compound. A synthetic fungicide (boscalid + pyraclostrobin) spray program used for pear rust management was included for comparison. Each treatment was applied 4 times prior to the visible appearance of rust (April through June, i.e., preventatively). Studies were conducted in 2017 and repeated in 2018. Efficacy of EO water as a rust protectant compound was confirmed (increased leaf chlorophyll content, reduced leaf rust incidence and severity). The degree of leaf rust severity protection conferred was not statistically different from a boscalid + pyraclostrobin spray program. Results suggest 4 spray applications of EO water provides a useful addition to existing methods of pear rust management under field conditions that may have applicability against other foliar pathogens.