Photo by V. Miller
March 9, 2005
Combating Daylily Rust
In Search of an Effective Natural Treatment for Puccinia hemerocallidis
Kyle James Yawn, 14, Bonaire, Ga.
Lowell Observatory "Star Gazer" Award, Discovery Channel Young Scientist Challenge, 2004
Project background: Puccinia hemerocallidis, or daylily rust, is an invasive species of fungus that kills daylilies. After a local daylily farmer went of out business because of the fungus, Kyle began searching for a solution. He discovered that gardeners were trying a variety of potentially hazardous chemicals to treat daylily rust. He wanted to find a less dangerous method of combating the fungus.
Tactics and results: Kyle discovered that silicon could strengthen the walls of plant cells. Because the fungus attacks by puncturing the cell wall, Kyle thought silicon treatment might strengthen the plants enough to withstand the fungus. He collected 98 fungus-ridden daylilies and planted them in two plots. He applied silicon/potash solution once a week for 2 months. He then counted the number of fungus pustules on the underside of each leaf.
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| Photo by V. Miller |
Untreated plants averaged about five pustules, while treated plant averaged less than one. Kyle concluded that a simple silicon solution can help defeat the fungus.
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