Fungicidal effects of an atmospheric pressure gas discharge and degradation mechanisms

Studies about interaction of plasmas with microorganisms usually focus on bacteria, bacteria spores or fungal spores; little attention has been paid to plasma treatment of fungal species in their vegetative state. The aim of this work is to evaluate the effect of air plasma treatment at atmospheric pressure on mycelia of the agricultural relevant fungal species Ascochyta pinodella and Fusarium culmorum concerning growth inhibition and morphologic alterations. Radial growth measurements on plasma-treated and heat-treated mycelia plugs and light microscopy imaging of isolated and plasma-treated hyphae were carried out. Growth inhibition of the vegetative state of fungi due to plasma treatment was found as well as deformation and disruption of hyphae.