Neon medium, originally proposed to verify the viability of sclerotia of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, suffered modification aiming to detect the pathogen on seeds. A wide-ranged antibiotic and a form of 2,4-D acid that could withstand sterilization were incorporated in the new medium. The ideal concentration of blue bromophenol and the best light and temperature conditions for incubation of seeds on this medium were verified. All ingredients of the new medium were added before sterilization and pH adjustment was unnecessary. This medium, named Neon-S, was compared to the methods recommended for the detection pathogens on seeds by the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture. Compared to the filter paper test and the germination paper test, the method was faster and more efficient, by reducing the detection time of the pathogen from 37 days to 12 days.
Seed pathology; white mold; Phaseolus vulgaris; seed analysis