Open AccessDetection of cyanotoxins in irrigation water and potential impact on putting green health
Author(s) -
Rushford Clayton A.,
North Rebecca L.,
Miller Gerald L.
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
international turfgrass society research journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2573-1513
DOI - 10.1002/its2.40
Subject(s) - cylindrospermopsin , cyanotoxin , microcystin , irrigation , environmental science , surface water , evapotranspiration , cyanobacteria , environmental engineering , agronomy , biology , ecology , genetics , bacteria
Creeping bentgrass putting greens require frequent irrigation during summer months to meet evapotranspiration requirements. Golf courses that utilize local water bodies for irrigation may potentially spread phytopathogenic waterborne microbes, or toxins they produce, to putting greens. Cyanobacteria associated with yellow spot and black layer have been detected in water bodies and are known to produce cyanotoxins that may hinder plant growth at high concentrations. Water samples were collected from irrigation heads, irrigation intakes, and the epilimnion of exposed water sources. Anatoxin, cylindrospermopsin, microcystin, and saxitoxin concentrations were analyzed using ELISA kits. Microcystin and saxitoxin were detected in irrigation systems that utilize surface water sources. Anatoxin was detected in every irrigation system, regardless of water source. Cylindrospermopsin was only detected in one system that utilized a local water body as a water source. Only two samples from one site contained cyanotoxin (microcystin) concentrations that exceeded the recommended threshold for recreational water use.