Detection and epidemiological progress of quiescent avocado diseases / Detecção e progresso epidemiológico de doenças quiescentes do abacate

One of the major problems in the commercialization of avocados is the incidence of postharvest diseases, especially anthracnose (Colletotrichum spp.) and stem-end rot (Lasiodiplodia theobromae, Fusicoccum aesculi and Neofusicoccum spp.). As there is a lack of epidemiological information on these pathosystems, the objective of this study was to establish a method to detect quiescent infections and characterize their temporal progression and spatial pattern in a commercial orchard. Detection of quiescent infections was evaluated in flowers and fruits that were immature and in commercial harvest stage, treated with paraquat, ethrel or water. Treatment of flowers and immature fruits with paraquat led to rapid detection of Colletotrichum spp. In two seasons of a Hass avocado orchard, the incidence of diseases was evaluated from open flowers to fruit harvest, totaling 11 evaluations at biweekly intervals. When fruits reached the harvest stage, the spatial distribution of diseased fruits in the trees was evaluated by means of dispersion index and modified Taylors law. Considering the evaluation of temporal disease progression, anthracnose was the most important disease, presenting a high initial incidence of 60 and 86% diseased flowers in the two seasons, respectively, while fruits showed an average disease incidence of 70 and 87%, respectively. Stem-end rot was observed only in fruits since the beginning of their development and presented low incidence ( 8% fruits), significantly inferior to that of anthracnose. The diseases showed random dispersion within the trees, indicating that their initial inoculum is evenly distributed in the plants.(AU)

Um dos grandes problemas na comercialização de abacates é a incidência de doenças pós-colheita, principalmente a antracnose (Colletotrichum spp.) e as podridões pedunculares (Lasiodiplodia theobromae, Fusicoccum aesculi e Neofusicoccum spp.). Em função da carência de informações epidemiológicas sobre esses patossistemas, objetivou-se estabelecer um método para detectar infecções quiescentes e caracterizar o progresso temporal e o padrão espacial dessas doenças em pomar comercial. A detecção de infecções quiescentes foi avaliada em flores e em frutos imaturos e no ponto de colheita comercial, tratados com paraquat, ethrel ou água. O tratamento de flores e frutos imaturos com paraquat propiciou uma rápida detecção de Colletotrichum spp. Em duas safras de um pomar de abacate Hass, avaliou-se a incidência das doenças a partir das flores abertas até a colheita dos frutos, totalizando 11 avaliações em intervalos quinzenais. Quando os frutos alcançaram o ponto de colheita, avaliou-se a distribuição espacial de frutos doentes nas árvores por meio do índice de dispersão e da lei de Taylor modificada. Na avaliação do progresso temporal das doenças, a antracnose foi a mais importante, apresentando elevada incidência inicial, com 60 e 86% das flores doentes nas duas safras, enquanto que os frutos apresentaram médias de 70 e 87% de incidência da doença, respectivamente. As podridões pedunculares foram constatadas em frutos desde o início de seu desenvolvimento e apresentaram baixas incidências ( 8% de frutos), significativamente inferior à de antracnose. As doenças apresentaram dispersão ao acaso dentro das árvores, indicando que o inóculo inicial das doenças está distribuído de maneira uniforme nas plantas.(AU)

Etiology, occurrence and epidemiology of a begomovirus disease in passionflower in the southwest of Bahia

Severe mosaic symptoms, accompanied by yellow spots, abnormally small leaves, fruit malformation and cracking, reduced plant growth, and high levels of whitefly (Bemisia tabaci MEAM1) infestation were observed in passionflower (Passiflora edulis) orchards in southwestern Bahia, Brazil. The aim of this work was to identify the species of begomovirus infecting the passionflowers, its prevalence in southwestern Bahia, and the spatial and temporal dynamics of the disease. Leaf samples from symptomatic plants collected at 57 orchards located in ten counties were evaluated by PCR for begomovirus infection. Complete nucleotide sequences of DNA-A for two isolates revealed 97 % identity with Passionfruit severe leaf distortion virus (PSLDV). The occurrence of PSLDV in 57 orchards was evaluated based on the presence of characteristic disease symptoms. Approximately 235,000 visually assessed plants exhibited symptoms characteristic of begomovirus infection. Epidemiological studies, conducted in two orchards in Dom Basílio County, showed that disease progress was relatively slow until 121 days after transplanting (DAT), but more rapid in the following 35 days, reaching 100 % infected plants by 156 DAT. The exponential model was fitted to the temporal dynamic of the disease for both areas. An aggregated pattern of diseased plants was predominant for almost all evaluations. It is possible that the primary and secondary spread of the pathogen occurred concurrently during the epidemic progression in both areas, especially late in the season. Containment measures to prevent the virus and the vector from spreading to other passionfruit producing areas in Brazil should be implemented.

Etiology, occurrence and epidemiology of a begomovirus disease in passionflower in the southwest of Bahia

Severe mosaic symptoms, accompanied by yellow spots, abnormally small leaves, fruit malformation and cracking, reduced plant growth, and high levels of whitefly (Bemisia tabaci MEAM1) infestation were observed in passionflower (Passiflora edulis) orchards in southwestern Bahia, Brazil. The aim of this work was to identify the species of begomovirus infecting the passionflowers, its prevalence in southwestern Bahia, and the spatial and temporal dynamics of the disease. Leaf samples from symptomatic plants collected at 57 orchards located in ten counties were evaluated by PCR for begomovirus infection. Complete nucleotide sequences of DNA-A for two isolates revealed 97 % identity with Passionfruit severe leaf distortion virus (PSLDV). The occurrence of PSLDV in 57 orchards was evaluated based on the presence of characteristic disease symptoms. Approximately 235,000 visually assessed plants exhibited symptoms characteristic of begomovirus infection. Epidemiological studies, conducted in two orchards in Dom Basílio County, showed that disease progress was relatively slow until 121 days after transplanting (DAT), but more rapid in the following 35 days, reaching 100 % infected plants by 156 DAT. The exponential model was fitted to the temporal dynamic of the disease for both areas. An aggregated pattern of diseased plants was predominant for almost all evaluations. It is possible that the primary and secondary spread of the pathogen occurred concurrently during the epidemic progression in both areas, especially late in the season. Containment measures to prevent the virus and the vector from spreading to other passionfruit producing areas in Brazil should be implemented.(AU)

Comparative analysis of Monilinia fructicola and M. laxa isolates from Brazil: monocyclic components of peach brown rot / Análise comparativa de isolados de Monilinia fructicola e M. laxa do Brasil: componentes monocíclicos da podridão parda

Brown rot is the most important disease of peaches in Brazil. The objective of this study was to compare the brown rot monocyclic components from Monilinia fructicola and M. laxa isolates from Brazil on peaches, due to the detection of M. laxa in the São Paulo production area. Conidia germination and pathogen sporulation were assessed in vitro under a temperature range of 5-35oC and wetness duration of 6-48h. Incubation and latent periods, disease incidence, disease severity and pathogen reproduction on peach fruit were evaluated under 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30oC and wetness duration of 6, 12 and 24h. Six of seven parameters of a generalised beta function fitted to conidia germination of M. fructicola and M. laxa were similar. Only the shape parameter was higher for M. fructicola indicating that the range of temperatures and wetness periods favourable for germination is wider for M. laxa than for M. fructicola. The optimum temperature for brown rot development caused by M. fructicola was 24.5oC and for. Monilinia laxa was 19.8oC. At 10oC M. laxa lesions produced more conidia than M. fructicola, and the opposite occurred at 30oC. The estimated maximum temperature for lesion development was also higher for M. fructicola than for M. laxa. M. fructicola is favored by warmer weather than M. laxa and the presence and impact of this specie in Brazil must be investigated especially in the South states.

Podridão parda é a doença mais importante de pêssegos no Brasil. O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar os componentes monocíclicos da podridão parda de isolados brasileiros de M. fructicola e M. laxa, devido à detecção de M. laxa em uma área de produção de São Paulo. A germinação de conídios e esporulação do patógeno foram avaliadas in vitro sob uma faixa de temperatura de 5-35oC e duração do molhamento de 6-48h. Os períodos de incubação e de latência, a incidência da doença, a severidade da doença e a reprodução do patógeno em frutos de pêssego foram avaliados em 10, 15, 20, 25 e 30ºC e duração de molhamento de 6, 12 e 24h. Seis dos sete parâmetros de uma função beta generalizada para germinação de conídios de M. fructicola e M. laxa foram semelhantes. Apenas o parâmetro de forma foi mais alto para M. fructicola indicando que a gama de temperaturas e períodos de molhamento favoráveis para germinação é maior para M. laxa do que para M. fructicola. A temperatura ideal para o desenvolvimento de podridão parda causada por M. fructicola foi 24,5oC e para Monilinia laxa foi 19,8oC. A 10oC lesões de M. laxa produziram mais conídios que as de M. fructicola, e o inverso ocorreu a 30oC. A temperatura máxima estimada para o desenvolvimento de lesões também foi maior para M. fructicola do que para M. laxa. M. fructicola é favorecido por um clima mais quente do que M. laxa e a presença e impacto deste patógeno no Brazil deve ser acompanhado em especial no estados do sul do país.

Comparative analysis of Monilinia fructicola and M. laxa isolates from Brazil: monocyclic components of peach brown rot / Análise comparativa de isolados de Monilinia fructicola e M. laxa do Brasil: componentes monocíclicos da podridão parda

Brown rot is the most important disease of peaches in Brazil. The objective of this study was to compare the brown rot monocyclic components from Monilinia fructicola and M. laxa isolates from Brazil on peaches, due to the detection of M. laxa in the São Paulo production area. Conidia germination and pathogen sporulation were assessed in vitro under a temperature range of 5-35oC and wetness duration of 6-48h. Incubation and latent periods, disease incidence, disease severity and pathogen reproduction on peach fruit were evaluated under 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30oC and wetness duration of 6, 12 and 24h. Six of seven parameters of a generalised beta function fitted to conidia germination of M. fructicola and M. laxa were similar. Only the shape parameter was higher for M. fructicola indicating that the range of temperatures and wetness periods favourable for germination is wider for M. laxa than for M. fructicola. The optimum temperature for brown rot development caused by M. fructicola was 24.5oC and for. Monilinia laxa was 19.8oC. At 10oC M. laxa lesions produced more conidia than M. fructicola, and the opposite occurred at 30oC. The estimated maximum temperature for lesion development was also higher for M. fructicola than for M. laxa. M. fructicola is favored by warmer weather than M. laxa and the presence and impact of this specie in Brazil must be investigated especially in the South states.(AU)

Podridão parda é a doença mais importante de pêssegos no Brasil. O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar os componentes monocíclicos da podridão parda de isolados brasileiros de M. fructicola e M. laxa, devido à detecção de M. laxa em uma área de produção de São Paulo. A germinação de conídios e esporulação do patógeno foram avaliadas in vitro sob uma faixa de temperatura de 5-35oC e duração do molhamento de 6-48h. Os períodos de incubação e de latência, a incidência da doença, a severidade da doença e a reprodução do patógeno em frutos de pêssego foram avaliados em 10, 15, 20, 25 e 30ºC e duração de molhamento de 6, 12 e 24h. Seis dos sete parâmetros de uma função beta generalizada para germinação de conídios de M. fructicola e M. laxa foram semelhantes. Apenas o parâmetro de forma foi mais alto para M. fructicola indicando que a gama de temperaturas e períodos de molhamento favoráveis para germinação é maior para M. laxa do que para M. fructicola. A temperatura ideal para o desenvolvimento de podridão parda causada por M. fructicola foi 24,5oC e para Monilinia laxa foi 19,8oC. A 10oC lesões de M. laxa produziram mais conídios que as de M. fructicola, e o inverso ocorreu a 30oC. A temperatura máxima estimada para o desenvolvimento de lesões também foi maior para M. fructicola do que para M. laxa. M. fructicola é favorecido por um clima mais quente do que M. laxa e a presença e impacto deste patógeno no Brazil deve ser acompanhado em especial no estados do sul do país.(AU)

Temporal progress and spatial patterns of quiescent diseases in guava influenced by sanitation practices

Postharvest diseases are a major problem in guava crops as the symptoms normally appear during fruit ripening. This study aimed to detect and characterize the temporal dynamics and spatial patterns of the most important guava diseases in orchards with and without removal of crop residues as a sanitation practice. The experiment was conducted in an orchard of Pedro Sato guavas, over two consecutive seasons, and data were collected from the flowering to the fruit ripening stage. In immature guavas treated with paraquat and ethrel, Colletotrichum spp. was detected from the 5th day of incubation. Anthracnose was detected in flowers at incidences higher than 50 % and black spot in fruit larger than 5.5 cm in length. The monomolecular and the exponential models provided the best fit to anthracnose and black spot incidence progress curve data, respectively. Both diseases showed a predominantly random spatial pattern in the orchard. The removal of crop residues reduced the rate of disease progress in at least one season, and was effective in reducing the areas under the quiescent disease progress curves (AUDPC) of anthracnose. Anthracnose incidence increased from 57 to 96 % and black spot from 1 to 48 %, respectively, at fruit maturation levels 1 and 3. A negative correlation was found between disease incidence and the color of the fruit skin (°h). Fruit harvested during the later maturation stages showed higher incidence of the diseases. Due to the wide distribution and early infection of quiescent diseases, starting at flowering, preventive management should consider disease monitoring and removal of crop residues.

Reduced sensitivity to azoxystrobin is stable in Monilinia fructicola isolates

A shift towards declining azoxystrobin sensitivity has been previously documented in a collection of Brazilian Monilinia fructicola isolates, but information on the stability of this trait after in vitro sub-culturing is not available. In this study, one highly-sensitive isolate and two isolates with reduced sensitivity to azoxystrobin, not exhibiting point mutations at codons 129, 137 and 143 in the target gene of cytochrome b were used. Two independent experiments consisted of 10 weekly transfers of each strain in potato dextrose agar (PDA). Conidial production and germination were quantified in the initial culture and, again, after the third, sixth and tenth transfer. Measures of mycelial growth were obtained in colonies growing on PDA amended with azoxystrobin at 1 µg mL-1 and salicylhydroxamic acid at 100 µg mL-1. Data were normalized to mycelial growth rate after each of the 10 transfers. The colony diameter in the less sensitive isolates was stable across the transfers in the PDA amended with the fungicide. The conidial production and mycelial growth rate did not decrease in non-amended media either. Our results suggest that the trait of reduced sensitivity to azoxystrobin is stable under no selection pressure for azoxystrobin.

Reduced sensitivity to azoxystrobin is stable in Monilinia fructicola isolates

A shift towards declining azoxystrobin sensitivity has been previously documented in a collection of Brazilian Monilinia fructicola isolates, but information on the stability of this trait after in vitro sub-culturing is not available. In this study, one highly-sensitive isolate and two isolates with reduced sensitivity to azoxystrobin, not exhibiting point mutations at codons 129, 137 and 143 in the target gene of cytochrome b were used. Two independent experiments consisted of 10 weekly transfers of each strain in potato dextrose agar (PDA). Conidial production and germination were quantified in the initial culture and, again, after the third, sixth and tenth transfer. Measures of mycelial growth were obtained in colonies growing on PDA amended with azoxystrobin at 1 µg mL-1 and salicylhydroxamic acid at 100 µg mL-1. Data were normalized to mycelial growth rate after each of the 10 transfers. The colony diameter in the less sensitive isolates was stable across the transfers in the PDA amended with the fungicide. The conidial production and mycelial growth rate did not decrease in non-amended media either. Our results suggest that the trait of reduced sensitivity to azoxystrobin is stable under no selection pressure for azoxystrobin.(AU)

Temporal progress and spatial patterns of quiescent diseases in guava influenced by sanitation practices

Postharvest diseases are a major problem in guava crops as the symptoms normally appear during fruit ripening. This study aimed to detect and characterize the temporal dynamics and spatial patterns of the most important guava diseases in orchards with and without removal of crop residues as a sanitation practice. The experiment was conducted in an orchard of Pedro Sato guavas, over two consecutive seasons, and data were collected from the flowering to the fruit ripening stage. In immature guavas treated with paraquat and ethrel, Colletotrichum spp. was detected from the 5th day of incubation. Anthracnose was detected in flowers at incidences higher than 50 % and black spot in fruit larger than 5.5 cm in length. The monomolecular and the exponential models provided the best fit to anthracnose and black spot incidence progress curve data, respectively. Both diseases showed a predominantly random spatial pattern in the orchard. The removal of crop residues reduced the rate of disease progress in at least one season, and was effective in reducing the areas under the quiescent disease progress curves (AUDPC) of anthracnose. Anthracnose incidence increased from 57 to 96 % and black spot from 1 to 48 %, respectively, at fruit maturation levels 1 and 3. A negative correlation was found between disease incidence and the color of the fruit skin (°h). Fruit harvested during the later maturation stages showed higher incidence of the diseases. Due to the wide distribution and early infection of quiescent diseases, starting at flowering, preventive management should consider disease monitoring and removal of crop residues.(AU)

Eradicant and curative treatments of hexanal against peach brown rot

Brown rot, caused by Monilinia spp. , is one of the most important peach (Prunuspersica (L.) Batsch) diseases and the main cause of postharvest losses. Currently, alternative methods for postharvest disease control, such as the use of volatiles, are under investigation. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of hexanal on the in vitro development of Monilinia fructicola and M. laxa and on monocyclic components of brown rot on peaches. To evaluate the effect on pathogen development in vitro, a single dose of 215 µL of liquid hexanal was placed on glass jars in closed plastic containers (4.3 L) at the moment of fungi transfer, 24 or 48 h after transferring to Petri dishes. After hexanal application, the Petri dishes were kept inside the containers that were closed for 24 h at 20 ºC. Mycelial growth was measured seven days after hexanal removal. For in vivo assays, inoculated fruits were kept in closed plastic containers, and hexanal was applied at the moment of fruit inoculation or 24 hours thereafter. The monocyclic components infection frequency, expressed as brown rot incidence, lesion diameter and lesion sporulation, were assessed daily for seven days. Overall, hexanal was more effective in inhibiting mycelial growth when applied at the moment of pathogen transfer. Hexanal did not prevent pathogen infection, but reduced lesion diameter and completely inhibited spore production on the fruit for both treatments. Hexanal provides a promising alternative for chemical control and can be used in postharvest handling systems.

Eradicant and curative treatments of hexanal against peach brown rot

Brown rot, caused by Monilinia spp. , is one of the most important peach (Prunuspersica (L.) Batsch) diseases and the main cause of postharvest losses. Currently, alternative methods for postharvest disease control, such as the use of volatiles, are under investigation. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of hexanal on the in vitro development of Monilinia fructicola and M. laxa and on monocyclic components of brown rot on peaches. To evaluate the effect on pathogen development in vitro, a single dose of 215 µL of liquid hexanal was placed on glass jars in closed plastic containers (4.3 L) at the moment of fungi transfer, 24 or 48 h after transferring to Petri dishes. After hexanal application, the Petri dishes were kept inside the containers that were closed for 24 h at 20 ºC. Mycelial growth was measured seven days after hexanal removal. For in vivo assays, inoculated fruits were kept in closed plastic containers, and hexanal was applied at the moment of fruit inoculation or 24 hours thereafter. The monocyclic components infection frequency, expressed as brown rot incidence, lesion diameter and lesion sporulation, were assessed daily for seven days. Overall, hexanal was more effective in inhibiting mycelial growth when applied at the moment of pathogen transfer. Hexanal did not prevent pathogen infection, but reduced lesion diameter and completely inhibited spore production on the fruit for both treatments. Hexanal provides a promising alternative for chemical control and can be used in postharvest handling systems.(AU)

Comparative analysis for quantification of Citrus Variegated Chlorosis in the field

Citrus Variegated Chlorosis (CVC) caused by Xylella fastidiosa is one of the most important diseases for Brazilian citriculture. The CVC is a vascular disease with a long incubation period and symptoms similar to other disorders, and this factors difficult the CVC quantification in the field. Two methods of CVC assessment were compared in this study. The first method was based on a descriptive rating scale with four ratings, commonly used for the disease quantification. The second one was based on the incidence of symptomatic branches. The quantification of CVC through these two methods was carried out in a 10-year-old 'Natal' sweet orange orchard. The descriptive scale considered the symptoms of the entire plant. The disease incidence was evaluated in 36 branches in each plant. The assessments were conducted by three raters in 144 plants in July 2006 and July 2007 as well as in March and November 2008. The descriptive scale did not allow an accurate assessment and resulted in a moderate strength of agreement among the raters. On the other hand, the incidence quantification of CVC through the symptomatic branches showed high repeatability among the raters. We suggest the use of incidence of symptomatic branches as variable for CVC quantification.

Comparative analysis for quantification of Citrus Variegated Chlorosis in the field

Citrus Variegated Chlorosis (CVC) caused by Xylella fastidiosa is one of the most important diseases for Brazilian citriculture. The CVC is a vascular disease with a long incubation period and symptoms similar to other disorders, and this factors difficult the CVC quantification in the field. Two methods of CVC assessment were compared in this study. The first method was based on a descriptive rating scale with four ratings, commonly used for the disease quantification. The second one was based on the incidence of symptomatic branches. The quantification of CVC through these two methods was carried out in a 10-year-old 'Natal' sweet orange orchard. The descriptive scale considered the symptoms of the entire plant. The disease incidence was evaluated in 36 branches in each plant. The assessments were conducted by three raters in 144 plants in July 2006 and July 2007 as well as in March and November 2008. The descriptive scale did not allow an accurate assessment and resulted in a moderate strength of agreement among the raters. On the other hand, the incidence quantification of CVC through the symptomatic branches showed high repeatability among the raters. We suggest the use of incidence of symptomatic branches as variable for CVC quantification.

Queima das flores e podridão parda em pessegueiro sob sistema de cultivo orgânico

The blossom blight and brown rot caused by Monilinia fructicola are the most important diseases of peach tree. This study aimed to verify the incidence of the blossom blight on flowers and latent brown rot in green fruits, and at harvest under natural infection, in relation to the position of branches in the orchard with peach cultivars under organic system. The evaluations were carried out with the cultivars 'Aurora', 'Flordaking', 'Marli' and 'Della Nona' in 2006, 'Aurora' and 'Marli' in 2007 and 2008 and conducted in an organic syste m in Rio do Sul, SC. Conidia were monitored weekly by "winddriven" traps. At flowering the average incidence was 0.8 ('Della Nona') to 19.1% ('Marli'). The incidence at harvest was 15.4 ('Della Nona') to 65.7% ('Flordaking'). It was observed positive and significant correlations between conidia numbers and phenological phases varying from 0.67 ('Flordaking') to 0.99 ('Aurora'). The position of the branch in the orchard, within-row, across-row, did not influence the incidence of disease in the flowers and fruits. The highest conidia concentration was observed during the ripening.

A queima das flores e a podridão parda, causadas por Monilinia fructicola, são as doenças mais importantes na cultura do pessegueiro. Este estudo teve como objetivo verificar a incidência de queima das flores e podridão parda latente em frutos verdes e na colheita sob condições naturais de infecção, em relação à posição dos ramos em pomar com cultivares de pessegueiro sob sistema de cultivo orgânico. As avaliações foram realizadas com as cultivares 'Aurora', 'Flordaking', 'Marli' e 'Della Nona' em 2006, e 'Aurora' e 'Marli' em 2007 e 2008 e conduzidas em sistema orgânico em Rio do Sul, Santa Catarina (SC). Foram monitorados semanalmente os conídios do patógeno em armadilhas tipo "cata-vento". A incidência média da doença na floração foi de 0,8 ('Della Nona') a 19,1% ('Marli'). A incidência na colheita foi de 15,4('Della Nona') a 65,7% ('Flordaking'). Correlações positivas e significativas foram verificadas entre número de conídios e fases fenológicas variando de 0,67 ('Flordaking) a 0,99 ('Aurora'). A posição do ramo no pomar, na linha ou na entrelinha não influenciou a incidência da doença nas flores e nos frutos. A maior concentração de conídios foi observada na fase de maturação dos frutos.

Queima das flores e podridão parda em pessegueiro sob sistema de cultivo orgânico

The blossom blight and brown rot caused by Monilinia fructicola are the most important diseases of peach tree. This study aimed to verify the incidence of the blossom blight on flowers and latent brown rot in green fruits, and at harvest under natural infection, in relation to the position of branches in the orchard with peach cultivars under organic system. The evaluations were carried out with the cultivars 'Aurora', 'Flordaking', 'Marli' and 'Della Nona' in 2006, 'Aurora' and 'Marli' in 2007 and 2008 and conducted in an organic syste m in Rio do Sul, SC. Conidia were monitored weekly by "winddriven" traps. At flowering the average incidence was 0.8 ('Della Nona') to 19.1% ('Marli'). The incidence at harvest was 15.4 ('Della Nona') to 65.7% ('Flordaking'). It was observed positive and significant correlations between conidia numbers and phenological phases varying from 0.67 ('Flordaking') to 0.99 ('Aurora'). The position of the branch in the orchard, within-row, across-row, did not influence the incidence of disease in the flowers and fruits. The highest conidia concentration was observed during the ripening.

A queima das flores e a podridão parda, causadas por Monilinia fructicola, são as doenças mais importantes na cultura do pessegueiro. Este estudo teve como objetivo verificar a incidência de queima das flores e podridão parda latente em frutos verdes e na colheita sob condições naturais de infecção, em relação à posição dos ramos em pomar com cultivares de pessegueiro sob sistema de cultivo orgânico. As avaliações foram realizadas com as cultivares 'Aurora', 'Flordaking', 'Marli' e 'Della Nona' em 2006, e 'Aurora' e 'Marli' em 2007 e 2008 e conduzidas em sistema orgânico em Rio do Sul, Santa Catarina (SC). Foram monitorados semanalmente os conídios do patógeno em armadilhas tipo "cata-vento". A incidência média da doença na floração foi de 0,8 ('Della Nona') a 19,1% ('Marli'). A incidência na colheita foi de 15,4('Della Nona') a 65,7% ('Flordaking'). Correlações positivas e significativas foram verificadas entre número de conídios e fases fenológicas variando de 0,67 ('Flordaking) a 0,99 ('Aurora'). A posição do ramo no pomar, na linha ou na entrelinha não influenciou a incidência da doença nas flores e nos frutos. A maior concentração de conídios foi observada na fase de maturação dos frutos.

Citrus postharvest diseases and injuries related to impact on packing lines

Brazilian exports of fresh citrus represent less than 1% of the overall Brazilian production. Phytosanitary barriers and poor appearance stand out among the several reasons contributing to such low exporting/production ratio. The purpose of this work was to characterize postharvest injuries in 'Valencia' sweet oranges and 'Murcott' tangors produced for foreign markets after different processing stages in a packinghouse, as well as to identify critical points and impact extent on packing lines. Sampling was performed both after pre-washing and degreening the fruits, and also at the arrival on the packing table and in the pallet. They were stored for 21 days at 25ºC and 85% RH. The incidence of injuries was visually assessed every three days. An instrumented sphere with acceleration register was used to evaluate the extent of impacts (G, m/s²) at the 19 transference points of the citrus processing line. There was low rot incidence (under 3.5%) at the different stages of fruit processing, with slight increase after degreening in 'Valencia' orange and a decrease after fungicides treatment in 'Murcott' tangor. The main pathogens found in the oranges were Lasiodiplodia theobromae and Penicillium digitatum, which were surpassed by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides in the tangors. Impacts in the processing line were caused mainly by drops on hard surfaces, with 94.7% of them varying from 30 to 95 G. The greatest impacts were observed when fruits were transferred from the processing line to bins destined to degreening. Mechanical injuries related to oleocellosis increased until the arrival of fruits at the packing table.

A exportação de frutos cítricos frescos representa menos que 1% da produção brasileira. Dentre os fatores atribuídos a esta baixa relação entre exportação e produção destacam-se as barreiras sanitárias e o aspecto visual de qualidade inferior. Este trabalho objetivou caracterizar os danos pós-colheita de frutos de laranja 'Valencia' e tangor 'Murcott', destinados à exportação, após diferentes etapas do beneficiamento em packinghouse e identificar os pontos críticos e a magnitude de impacto em linhas de beneficiamento. Os frutos foram coletados na chegada ao packinghouse, tanto após a pré-lavagem como após o desverdecimento, na banca de embalagem e no palete; e armazenados individualmente durante 21 dias a 25ºC e 85% de UR. A incidência de injúrias foi avaliada visualmente a cada três dias. Para a avaliação da magnitude de impactos (G, m/s²) nos 19 pontos de transferência da linha de beneficiamento de citros empregou-se uma esfera instrumentada com registrador de aceleração. Observou-se uma baixa incidência de podridões nas diferentes etapas do beneficiamento dos frutos, com valores abaixo de 3,5% e levemente superior após o desverdecimento em laranja 'Valencia' e também redução de podridões após a aplicação de fungicidas em tangor 'Murcott'. Os principais patógenos encontrados em laranja foram Lasiodiplodia theobromae e Penicillium digitatum, sendo superados em tangor por Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. Na avaliação dos impactos na linha de beneficiamento, 94,7% dos impactos variaram entre a faixa de 30-95 G, causados principalmente por quedas em superfícies rígidas. Os maiores impactos foram observados quando os frutos foram transferidos da linha de beneficiamento para bins, destinados ao desverdecimento. Os danos mecânicos de oleocelose foram crescentes até a banca de embalagem.

Citrus postharvest diseases and injuries related to impact on packing lines

Brazilian exports of fresh citrus represent less than 1% of the overall Brazilian production. Phytosanitary barriers and poor appearance stand out among the several reasons contributing to such low exporting/production ratio. The purpose of this work was to characterize postharvest injuries in 'Valencia' sweet oranges and 'Murcott' tangors produced for foreign markets after different processing stages in a packinghouse, as well as to identify critical points and impact extent on packing lines. Sampling was performed both after pre-washing and degreening the fruits, and also at the arrival on the packing table and in the pallet. They were stored for 21 days at 25ºC and 85% RH. The incidence of injuries was visually assessed every three days. An instrumented sphere with acceleration register was used to evaluate the extent of impacts (G, m/s²) at the 19 transference points of the citrus processing line. There was low rot incidence (under 3.5%) at the different stages of fruit processing, with slight increase after degreening in 'Valencia' orange and a decrease after fungicides treatment in 'Murcott' tangor. The main pathogens found in the oranges were Lasiodiplodia theobromae and Penicillium digitatum, which were surpassed by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides in the tangors. Impacts in the processing line were caused mainly by drops on hard surfaces, with 94.7% of them varying from 30 to 95 G. The greatest impacts were observed when fruits were transferred from the processing line to bins destined to degreening. Mechanical injuries related to oleocellosis increased until the arrival of fruits at the packing table.

A exportação de frutos cítricos frescos representa menos que 1% da produção brasileira. Dentre os fatores atribuídos a esta baixa relação entre exportação e produção destacam-se as barreiras sanitárias e o aspecto visual de qualidade inferior. Este trabalho objetivou caracterizar os danos pós-colheita de frutos de laranja 'Valencia' e tangor 'Murcott', destinados à exportação, após diferentes etapas do beneficiamento em packinghouse e identificar os pontos críticos e a magnitude de impacto em linhas de beneficiamento. Os frutos foram coletados na chegada ao packinghouse, tanto após a pré-lavagem como após o desverdecimento, na banca de embalagem e no palete; e armazenados individualmente durante 21 dias a 25ºC e 85% de UR. A incidência de injúrias foi avaliada visualmente a cada três dias. Para a avaliação da magnitude de impactos (G, m/s²) nos 19 pontos de transferência da linha de beneficiamento de citros empregou-se uma esfera instrumentada com registrador de aceleração. Observou-se uma baixa incidência de podridões nas diferentes etapas do beneficiamento dos frutos, com valores abaixo de 3,5% e levemente superior após o desverdecimento em laranja 'Valencia' e também redução de podridões após a aplicação de fungicidas em tangor 'Murcott'. Os principais patógenos encontrados em laranja foram Lasiodiplodia theobromae e Penicillium digitatum, sendo superados em tangor por Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. Na avaliação dos impactos na linha de beneficiamento, 94,7% dos impactos variaram entre a faixa de 30-95 G, causados principalmente por quedas em superfícies rígidas. Os maiores impactos foram observados quando os frutos foram transferidos da linha de beneficiamento para bins, destinados ao desverdecimento. Os danos mecânicos de oleocelose foram crescentes até a banca de embalagem.

Alternative products in the "in vitro" inhibition of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum

The white mold, caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, is a very important disease in tomato crops. The objective of this work was to study the effect of plant extracts, animal residues and industrial by-products extracts on the fungus in vitro growth. Treatments consisted of different concentrations of pyrolignous oil, neem oil, monosodium glutamate, sewage sludge and organic compost [coffee residue (50%) coal residue (10%), maize residue (25%), poultry waste (12.5%), poultry meal (2.5%)]. Positive control consisted of Petri dishes with PDA medium and negative control treatment consisted of PDA medium with procymidone. Fungus colonies were incubated at 22ºC and light intensity of 260 lux. Variables such as mycelium growth rate, sclerotia production, and viability 7 and 17 days after the transfer of mycelium disc to neon media were assessed. The extract of organic compost at 30% was effective in controlling mycelial growth and sclerotia production. This treatment, as well as neem oil at 0.5% increased soil respiration.

O mofo-branco, causado por Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, é uma doença importante na cultura do tomateiro. O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar o efeito de extratos de plantas, resíduos animais e subprodutos industriais no desenvolvimento micelial e na produção de escleródios do fungo "in vitro". Os tratamentos testados foram diferentes concentrações de licor pirolenhoso, óleo de nim, glutamato monossódico, biossólido e composto orgânico [(borra de café (50%) cinza de carvão (10%), resíduo de milho (25%), esterco de aves (12,5%) e farinha de aves (2,5%)], além de duas testemunhas, sem adição de produtos ao meio e com adição do fungicida procimidone. O fungo submetido aos diferentes tratamentos foi incubado à temperatura de 22ºC e luminosidade constante de 260 lux. Foram avaliadas o crescimento micelial, a produção de escleródios e a viabilidade dos mesmos aos 7 e 17 dias após a repicagem do fungo para meio de neon. O composto orgânico a 30 % mostrou-se eficiente na inibição do crescimento micelial e na produção de escleródios. Este tratamento, assim como o óleo de nim a 0,5%, foi analisado com relação à sua influência na microbiota no solo por meio de uma análise de respirometria, que indicou que ambos os tratamentos foram degradados rapidamente, não causando assim malefícios à mesma.

Alternative products in the "in vitro" inhibition of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum

The white mold, caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, is a very important disease in tomato crops. The objective of this work was to study the effect of plant extracts, animal residues and industrial by-products extracts on the fungus in vitro growth. Treatments consisted of different concentrations of pyrolignous oil, neem oil, monosodium glutamate, sewage sludge and organic compost [coffee residue (50%) coal residue (10%), maize residue (25%), poultry waste (12.5%), poultry meal (2.5%)]. Positive control consisted of Petri dishes with PDA medium and negative control treatment consisted of PDA medium with procymidone. Fungus colonies were incubated at 22ºC and light intensity of 260 lux. Variables such as mycelium growth rate, sclerotia production, and viability 7 and 17 days after the transfer of mycelium disc to neon media were assessed. The extract of organic compost at 30% was effective in controlling mycelial growth and sclerotia production. This treatment, as well as neem oil at 0.5% increased soil respiration.

O mofo-branco, causado por Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, é uma doença importante na cultura do tomateiro. O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar o efeito de extratos de plantas, resíduos animais e subprodutos industriais no desenvolvimento micelial e na produção de escleródios do fungo "in vitro". Os tratamentos testados foram diferentes concentrações de licor pirolenhoso, óleo de nim, glutamato monossódico, biossólido e composto orgânico [(borra de café (50%) cinza de carvão (10%), resíduo de milho (25%), esterco de aves (12,5%) e farinha de aves (2,5%)], além de duas testemunhas, sem adição de produtos ao meio e com adição do fungicida procimidone. O fungo submetido aos diferentes tratamentos foi incubado à temperatura de 22ºC e luminosidade constante de 260 lux. Foram avaliadas o crescimento micelial, a produção de escleródios e a viabilidade dos mesmos aos 7 e 17 dias após a repicagem do fungo para meio de neon. O composto orgânico a 30 % mostrou-se eficiente na inibição do crescimento micelial e na produção de escleródios. Este tratamento, assim como o óleo de nim a 0,5%, foi analisado com relação à sua influência na microbiota no solo por meio de uma análise de respirometria, que indicou que ambos os tratamentos foram degradados rapidamente, não causando assim malefícios à mesma.