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idMicrobe: Tool to recognize plant diseases and consult home treatments

The Guide to Caring for Your Plants

Learn to recognize pests and how to combat them

Watery fruit: symptoms, causes and solutions

Watery fruits

Phytophthora sp.

Pathogen:

Type:

Oomycete

Risk:

HIGH

Watery fruit: symptoms, causes and solutions

Frutos

Phytophthora

Waterlogged fruit: Symptoms, damage and solutions
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WHO CAUSES IT?

Phytophthora sp. is a phytopathogenic organism belonging to the oomycetes, a group of fungus-like microorganisms that can affect numerous plant species and cause significant losses under favorable conditions. Its development is closely linked to the presence of water and to soils or plant surfaces that remain moist for extended periods. The pathogen can survive between favorable periods through resistant structures, primarily oospores and, depending on the species, through mycelium present in infected tissues or plant debris. When environmental conditions are suitable, it can produce sporangia, structures capable of generating motile zoospores. Zoospores are transported by water and constitute one of the main means of dispersal and infection by Phytophthora. They can reach the surface of fruits through rain splash, irrigation, runoff, or contact with contaminated water. After reaching susceptible tissue, the zoospores can encyst, germinate, and develop germ tubes that penetrate plant tissues. Infection can also occur through direct contact with contaminated material or through small wounds and damaged areas. Once inside the tissues, the pathogen develops mycelium and progressively colonizes the cells, causing their destruction and the appearance of moist, necrotic lesions. On the affected tissues, it can produce new sporangia, which release zoospores and allow the infection to spread rapidly when water is available. Splashing can carry the inoculum from the soil to nearby fruit, while runoff can transport it between different areas of the crop. The pathogen's survival in the soil and in infected plant debris makes eradication difficult once established. High humidity, poor drainage, and moderate temperatures particularly favor its activity and can generate new foci of infection in a short time. For this reason, water management, reducing sources of inoculum, and preventing contact of fruit with contaminated soil or water are fundamental elements for limiting its development.

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SYMPTOMS

Phytophthora sp. fruit rot is characterized by a rapidly progressing decay that primarily affects fruit that comes into contact with damp soil, contaminated water, or wet surfaces. The infection typically begins with small, watery-looking areas that subsequently increase in size and turn brown, tan, or darker shades. Affected tissues quickly lose their firmness and may appear translucent and soggy, distinguishing them from other rots due to their strong association with humid conditions and the presence of water. As the disease progresses, the tissue decomposes, and the fruit may become completely spoiled. Under high humidity, the infection can spread rapidly between nearby fruits, especially with direct contact or water splashes. Affected fruits may emit an unpleasant odor as a result of tissue degradation and the subsequent involvement of secondary microorganisms. The disease can cause significant losses before harvest and also during transport and storage when fruits arrive with incipient infections. The most common damage includes:

• Appearance of small, wet, or watery spots on the fruit surface.

• Formation of soft, translucent areas around the point of infection.

• Brown, tan, or dark discoloration of the affected tissues.

• Rapid spread of the lesion across the fruit surface.

• Progressive softening and loss of firmness.

• Wet rot that can affect a large part or all of the fruit.

• Decomposition and collapse of tissues in advanced stages.

• Appearance of fruit with a soggy or watery appearance.

• Presence of particularly severe lesions in areas near the ground.

• Increased damage after rain, heavy irrigation, or prolonged periods of humidity.

• Spread of the infection between fruits through contact or water splashes.

• Loss of commercial quality and reduced shelf life of the fruit. • The appearance of secondary rots during the storage of previously affected fruit.

Damage caused by waterlogging in fruit
Watery fruit: How to recognize and effectively treat it
Fruit affected by waterlogging with soft areas and rot
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TEMPERATURE AND HUMIDITY

15-25 °C

90-100 %

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TRANSMISSION ROUTES

Rainwater, Water splashes, Irrigation water, Runoff, Contaminated soil, Infected plant debris, Infected plant material, Contaminated tools, Fruit contact, Soil transport

Do you want to remove this disease? Choose how you want to treat it.

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TREATMENTS

Chemical treatments

• FOSETIL-AL 80% [WG] P/P
• CUPRIC HYDROXIDE 13.6% (EXPR. IN CU) + COPPER OXYCHLORIDE 13.6% (EXPR. IN CU) [SC] P/V
• CUPRIC HYDROXIDE 35% (EXPR. IN CU) [WG] P/P
• CUPRIC HYDROXIDE 50% (EXPR. IN CU) [WP] P/P
• COPPER OXYCHLORIDE 37.5% (EXPR. IN CU) [WG] P/P
• COPPER OXYCHLORIDE 38% (EXPR. IN CU) [SC] P/V
• COPPER OXYCHLORIDE 50% (EXPR. IN CU) [WP] P/P
• COPPER OXYCHLORIDE 70% [SC] P/V
• CUPROCALCIC SULFATE 20% (EXPR. IN CU) [WP] P/P
• TRIBASIC COPPER SULFATE 19% (EXPR. IN CU) [SC] P/V

Authorized treatments in organic farming

• CUPRIC HYDROXIDE 13.6% (EXPR. IN CU) + COPPER OXYCHLORIDE 13.6% (EXPR. IN CU) [SC] P/V
• CUPRIC HYDROXIDE 35% (EXPR. IN CU) [WG] P/P
• CUPRIC HYDROXIDE 50% (EXPR. IN CU) [WP] P/P
• COPPER OXYCHLORIDE 37.5% (EXPR. IN CU) [WG] P/P
• COPPER OXYCHLORIDE 38% (EXPR. IN CU) [SC] P/V
• COPPER OXYCHLORIDE 50% (EXPR. IN CU) [WP] P/P
• COPPER OXYCHLORIDE 70% [SC] P/V
• CUPROCALCIC SULFATE 20% (EXPR. IN CU) [WP] P/P
• TRIBASIC COPPER SULFATE 19% (EXPR. IN CU) [SC] P/V

Biological control

-

Recommendations

• Prevent fruit from remaining in direct contact with the soil, especially in crops where there is a high risk of waterlogging.

• Improve soil drainage to prevent water accumulation around the plants.

• Avoid over-irrigation and adjust the frequency and amount of water to the actual needs of the crop.

• Reduce the use of sprinkler irrigation, when possible, during periods of highest risk.

• Prevent runoff water from potentially contaminated areas from coming into contact with the fruit.

• Remove affected fruit and dispose of it from the crop to reduce sources of inoculum.

• Remove infected plant debris that may remain in contact with the soil or accumulate moisture.

• Maintain good air circulation around the vegetation to promote faster drying of fruit and plant surfaces.

• Avoid wounds and damage to the fruit during cultivation and harvesting.

• Check the fruit regularly, especially after rain or periods of high humidity. • Separate any fruit showing damage or signs of rot during harvesting.

• Keep tools, containers, and surfaces used during harvesting and handling clean.

• Avoid transporting potentially contaminated soil or plant debris to disease-free areas.

• Use healthy plant material and avoid introducing plants or substrates from affected areas.

• In cases of high risk, use fungicides authorized for the crop and the disease, strictly following the label instructions.

• Prioritize preventative measures, as treatments applied after the infection is widespread may have limited effectiveness.

• Alternate active ingredients with different modes of action when repeated treatments are necessary.

• Respect the doses, intervals, and maximum number of applications established for each plant protection product.

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Light traps for insects

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Solar trap for outside

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Effective against all types of fungi

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Insect Barrier/Repellent

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Fungus Gnat Killer & Bug Spray

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For outdoor and indoor use. Pet friendly

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Mature compost. Worm castings

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100% organic diatomaceous earth

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Natural insecticide against insects

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Beetle traps

Beetle traps

Ideal for ornamentals, flowers and shrubs.

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Trap for Tuta absoluta

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Attracts and traps tomato moths

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Snail and slug traps

Snail and slug traps

Ideal for orchards, gardens and pots.

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Effective against all types of fungi

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*The recommended treatments are recommendations based on the authorities' databases and do not replace in any way the guidelines established by the legislation of each country.

*Products shown are recommendations and not our own products. As Amazon Associates, we earn revenue from purchases of recommended products.

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TREATMENTS

Homemade remedies

BONE MEAL OR GROUND FISH SHELLS

RUSTY NAILS OR IRON SHAVINGS

BANANA PEELS

EPSOM SALTS (MAGNESIUM SULFATE)

SOLUTION WITH HOUSEHOLD BORAX

GROUND OR BOILED EGGSHELLS

COMPOST WITH ONION OR GARLIC SCRAPS

VEGETABLE COOKING WATER

WOOD ASH

WATER WITH VINEGAR OR LEMON (VERY DILUTED)

GARLIC INFUSION

USED COFFEE OR TEA

BANANA AND EGGSHELL INFUSION

POTATO OR LEGUME COOKING WATER

COMPOST FROM FRESH GREEN LEAVES

COMPOST OR WELL-AGED MANURE

DILUTED MILK (1:10)

BANANA TEA

LEAF COMPOST

NETTLE SLURRY

POTASSIUM SOAP AND NEEM OIL SOLUTION

POTASSIUM SOAP SOLUTION + NEEM OIL + DIATOMACEOUS EARTH

BAKING SODA AND NEUTRAL SOAP SOLUTION

GARLIC INFUSION WITH NEUTRAL SOAP

CHROMATIC OR ADHESIVE TRAPS

DILUTED MILK

HORSETAIL INFUSION

TRUNK WHITEWASHING

DIATOMACEOUS EARTH

WOOD ASH

NETTLE SLURRY

CUT THE AFFECTED BRANCHES AND APPLY CINNAMON

GARLIC AND CINNAMON INFUSION

INFUSION OF WORMWOOD, CHILI OR CHILLI

CLEAN THE AFFECTED AREA AND APPLY ASH PASTE WITH GARLIC OR CINNAMON

GARLIC AND MINT INFUSION

LIGHT TRAPS

APPLY CINNAMON POWDER

PITFALL TRAPS

CRUSHED EGG SHELLS

CLEAN AND SEAL THE WOUND WITH CLAY, CINNAMON AND GARLIC PASTE

GARLIC INFUSION

MATURE COMPOST

TRAPS WITH VINEGAR AND SOAP

SEAL HOLES WITH ASH PASTE AND CRUSHED GARLIC

VINEGAR AND BAKING SODA SOLUTION

ANT TRAP

TAPE TRAP

PHEROMONE TRAP

ALCOHOL TRAPS

FUNNEL TRAP

There are no home treatments

Natural allies

PREDATORY MITES

LADYBUGS

LACEWINGS

PARASITIC WASPS

HOVERFLIES OR PARASITIC FLIES

PREDATORY BUGS

There are no natural allies

Mycodiplosis oidii (predatory mosquito)

Chemical treatments

AGRICULTURAL SULFUR (POWDER OR SOLUBLE)

POTASSIUM FERTILIZERS

MAGNESIUM FERTILIZERS

BORON FERTILIZERS

CALCIUM FERTILIZERS

NITROGEN FERTILIZERS

PHOSPHORUS FERTILIZERS

IRON FERTILIZERS

SULFUR FERTILIZERS

NPK FERTILIZERS

There are no treatments for this disease. Treatments are directed at the insect vectors that transmit it. See insect treatments.

ABAMECTIN 0.0015% + PYRETHRINS 0.02%

RAPESEAL OIL

RAPESEAL OIL + PYRETHRINS

ORANGE OIL 6%

PARAFFIN OIL

ACETAMIPRID

ACETAMIPRID 0.005%

ACETAMIPRID 20%

SULFUR

COPPER 20%

COPPER 25%

COPPER 35%

COPPER 38%

COPPER 50%

COPPER 52%

DELTAMETHRIN 1.57%

DELTAMETHRIN 10%

DELTAMETHRIN 2.5%

DIFENOCONAZOLE 1.67%

ESFENVALERATE 2.5%

ESFENVALERATE 5%

100% GARLIC EXTRACT

PHENHEXAMIDE 50%

FLUPYRADIFURONE

FLUPIRADIFURONE 20%

FOSETIL-AL 80%

FERRIC PHOSPHATE

ALUMINUM PHOSPHIDE 56%

PHOSTIAZATE 10%

PHOSTIAZATE 15%

HEXITIAZOX 10%

POTASSIUM HYDROGEN CARBONATE

LAMBDA CYHALOTHRIN

LAMINARIN 4.5%

METALDEHYDE

PIRACLOSTROBIN 6.7% + BOSCALIDE 26.7%

PYRETHRINS

PYRIPROXIFEN 10%

POTASSIUM SALTS OF UNSATURATED FATTY ACIDS

SPINOSAD 0.024%

SPINOSAD 12%

SPINOSAD 48%

TAU-FLUVALINATE 24%

TETRACONAZOLE 10%

TETRACONAZOLE 12.5%

TETRACONAZOLE 4%

TRICHODERMA ASPERELLUM (STRAIN T34)

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RECOMMENDATIONS

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REPELLENT PLANTS

EFFECTIVE PRODUCTS TO ELIMINATE THIS DISEASE

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Home treatment. Eco-friendly

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Home treatment. Eco-friendly

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Eco-friendly. Respectful of animals, the environment, and people.

Bacillus Thuringiensis BT Organic Worm & Caterpillar Control

Eco-friendly. Respectful of animals, the environment, and people.

Sponsored link

Non-Toxic. Reusable. For indoor and outside

Fruit fly traps

Non-Toxic. Reusable. For indoor and outside

Sponsored link

Granulated bait, attractive, safe and fast.

Treatment against snails and slugs

Granulated bait, attractive, safe and fast.

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Your products closer to your customers

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Your products closer to your customers

Sponsored link

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100% ecological fungicide

Natural Pesticide, Fungicide, Miticide, Insecticide, Spider Mites, Powdery Mildew, Botrytis and Mold

100% ecological fungicide

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Nematodes - Biological Pest Control for Fungus Gnats, Thrips, & Whiteflies

Biological Pest Control for Fungus Gnats, Thrips, & Whiteflies

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Solar trap for outside

Light traps for insects

Solar trap for outside

Sponsored link

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Effective against all types of fungi

Effective against all types of fungi

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Tree protection. Easy to use.

Anti-ant adhesive tape

Tree protection. Easy to use.

Sponsored link

Your products closer to your customers

Your product

Your products closer to your customers

Sponsored link

Sponsored link

For orchards, terraces and flower pots.

Adhesive traps for insects

For orchards, terraces and flower pots.

Sponsored link

100% organic. For indoor and outdoor use

Insecticide, fungicide, acaricide and nematicide spraying

100% organic. For indoor and outdoor use

Sponsored link

Insect Barrier/Repellent

Lime for whitewashing

Insect Barrier/Repellent

Sponsored link

For outdoor and indoor use. Pet friendly

Fungus Gnat Killer & Bug Spray

For outdoor and indoor use. Pet friendly

Sponsored link

Sponsored link

Sponsored link

100% Natural. Soil Restorative

Mature compost. Worm castings

100% Natural. Soil Restorative

Sponsored link

Your products closer to your customers

Your product

Your products closer to your customers

Sponsored link

Sponsored link

Natural insecticide against insects

100% organic diatomaceous earth

Natural insecticide against insects

Sponsored link

Ideal for ornamentals, flowers and shrubs.

Beetle traps

Ideal for ornamentals, flowers and shrubs.

Sponsored link

Attracts and traps tomato moths

Trap for Tuta absoluta

Attracts and traps tomato moths

Sponsored link

Ideal for orchards, gardens and pots.

Snail and slug traps

Ideal for orchards, gardens and pots.

Sponsored link

Effective against all types of fungi

Copper-based fungicide - Curative and preventive

Effective against all types of fungi

Sponsored link

*The recommended treatments are recommendations based on the authorities' databases and do not replace in any way the guidelines established by the legislation of each country.

*Products shown are recommendations and not our own products. As Amazon Associates, we earn revenue from purchases of recommended products.

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OTHER PESTS

Fruit with symptoms of calcium deficiency and developmental abnormalities

Calcium deficiency or blossom-end rot

Fruit affected by water stress with symptoms of dehydration and cracking

Water stress

Fruit affected by weevils with holes and surface damage

Weevils

Fruit affected by waterlogging with soft areas and rot

Watery fruits

Fruit affected by bacterial disease with spots and lesions on the surface

Bacterial infection

Fruit affected by fungi with spots, rot and mold

Mycosis

Fruit with symptoms of boron deficiency and developmental deformities

Boron Deficiency

Fruit with sunburn and areas damaged by excessive sun exposure

Excessive sun

Fruit damaged by snails and slugs with bites and eroded areas

Snails and/or slugs

Fruit affected by powdery mildew with spots and presence of white powder

Powdery mildew

Fruit affected by downy mildew with spots and damaged areas

Mildew

Fruit affected by Alternaria with dark spots and areas of rot

Alternaria

Fruit with symptoms of potassium deficiency and ripening disorders

Potassium Deficiency

Fruit affected by monilia with brown spots and rot

Moniliosis or brown rot

Fruit affected by Botrytis with rot and gray mold

Botrytis or gray mold

Fruit affected by bed bugs with bites and spots on the surface

Bed bugs

Fruit damaged by beetles with holes and bites on the surface

Beetles

Fruit affected by anthracnose with dark spots and sunken lesions

Anthracnose

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