Effectiveness of a novel integrated solarization system to control soilborne pathogens of strawberry and effects on non-target microorganisms in Northern Italy

The Solin® method, an innovative solarization system inspired by solar panels, offers a sustainable alternative to fumigants and pesticides for managing soilborne pathogens. This technology increases soil surface temperature using a black matrix that absorbs solar radiation and has been tested on strawberry pathogens in Northern Italy. The study utilized colonized wheat seeds with Neopestalotiopsis spp. placed in polyethylene sun bags, alongside temperature probes, in plots covered with various solarization films. Four treatments were compared: untreated soil, standard PET film solarization, Polysolar multilayer thermal film, and the Solin method. Results showed the Solin method significantly increased soil temperatures, reducing pathogen inoculum potential while maintaining the soil microbial community. Metagenomic analysis of fungi, bacteria, and oomycetes highlighted the efficacy of this innovative approach and its potential for solarization in less favorable climates. This study supports solarization as a viable, environmentally friendly strategy for controlling soilborne pathogens.