In summary, application of dry heat at 70 °C for 90 min significantly
inhibited progression of C. cucumerinum, D. bryoniae,
and C. orbiculare infection in cucumber seeds and in some cases,
even eradicated these pathogens. Seed disinfection could be improved
by longer periods of exposure to higher temperatures,
although this may also result in an increased risk for negative
effects on seed viability. Therefore, a moderate period of exposure
to dry heat was selected as the optimal condition for seed
disinfection that would simultaneously preserve seed viability.
Further protection can be added by combining heat treatment
with other techniques.