Professional paper

Phytophtora cactorum on apples - symptomatology, biology of pathogen, epidemiology and disease management

Tomislav Soldo ; Voćarski Krug
Brankica Svitlica ; Veleučilište u Požegi
Josip Mesić ; Veleučilište u Požegi

Abstract

This year, in Eastern Slavonia, we've noticed a high percentage phytophthora cactorum infection on apples, pears and cherries trees, which are direct result extremely wet conditions in the last year. Phytophthora is a genus of Oomycota, responsible for some of the most serious diseases with great economic impact (Judelson and Blanco, 2005). It has been associated with the development of science of plant diseases and thus forms a part of history of Plant Pathology. Anton deBary coined the name, Phytophthora (plant destroyer) in 1876 by naming the causal agent of potato late blight as Phytophthora infestans. While 54 species were found in the 20th century (Erwin and Ribeiro, 1996) another 51-54 new species have been identified (Brasier, 2008) since the year 2000. They are spread worldwide and have broad range of host plants – fruit trees, citrus, forest and park species. Phytophthora can cause serious damages in orchards and nurseries of apples, pears, cherries, etc. P. cactorum is known to cause crown or collar rot of apple. At present, the disease is prevalent throughout the world in almost all apple growing regions and is more serious in orchards on dwarfing root stocks (Harris, 1991). Phytophthora root and crown rot symptoms first appear in early spring. Infected trees show bud break delay, leaves and fruits are small, foliage is sparse and chlorotic in spring and bronze in rainy season. Later symptoms are found in August-September. Leaves of the infected trees show reddish discoloration and drop down. These symptoms have a direct correlation with the underground infection and can become an important tool in disease identification as it is a clear indication of malady in the underground parts of the tree.

Keywords

Hrčak ID:

162356

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/162356

Publication date:

23.10.2015.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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