Phytophthora
Root Or Crown Rot
Phytophthora Cinnamomi
Pathogen:
Oomycete
Type:
Risk to the plant:
CRITICAL
DESCRIPTION
WHO CAUSES IT?
Phytophthora cinnamomi is a pathogen of oomycete origin that affects a wide variety of plants, including blueberry. This organism is capable of surviving in the soil and in the remains of infected plants for long periods. Under favorable conditions, it releases motile zoospores that move through soil water to infect plant roots. The zoospores penetrate the roots, where they form sporangia and produce new zoospores, perpetuating the infection. During periods of drought, the pathogen can form resistance structures, such as chlamydospores and oospores, that allow it to survive until conditions are again favorable for its development. This survival and spread mechanism makes P. cinnamomi particularly difficult to eradicate once it has infected an area.
SYMPTOMS
Root or crown rot caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi in blueberry causes a series of symptoms that significantly affect the health and productivity of the plants. Damage begins at the roots and crown, gradually spreading to other parts of the plant.
- Wilting of leaves and shoots, especially in hot climates.
- Discoloration and necrosis of the roots, turning brown or black.
- Reduction in plant vigor, with slow and weakened growth.
- Premature defoliation, leaving plants naked and vulnerable.
- Collapse and death of individual branches, progressing towards total death of the plant.
- Appearance of dark, watery lesions at the base of the stem.
- Reduced and lower quality fruit production.
TEMPERATURE AND HUMIDITY
15°C - 30°C
70% - 90%
HOW IS IT SPREAD?
Irrigation water, contaminated soil, agricultural tools, infected plant material, machinery movement, surface water flow
HOW TO REMOVE IT?
Home remedies
There are no home treatments
Chemical treatments
• POTASSIUM PHOSPHONATES 51% (Exp. as phosphorous acid) [SL] P/V
• COPPER OXYCHLORIDE 35% (exp. in Cu) [WG] P/P
• CUPROCALCIC SULFATE 12.4% (EXPR. IN CU) [SC] P/V
Authorized treatments in organic farming
• COPPER OXYCHLORIDE 35% (exp. in Cu) [WG] P/P
• CUPROCALCIC SULFATE 12.4% (EXPR. IN CU) [SC] P/V
Insect allies
PREDATORY MITES
LADYBUGS
LACEWINGS
PARASITIC WASPS
HOVERFLIES OR PARASITIC FLIES
PREDATORY BUGS
There are no natural allies
Mycodiplosis oidii (predatory mosquito)
EFFECTIVE PRODUCTS TO ELIMINATE THIS DISEASE
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- Implement adequate soil drainage to avoid flooding that favors the spread of the pathogen.
- Use blueberry varieties resistant or tolerant to Phytophthora cinnamomi.
- Maintain hygiene practices in the field, avoiding the introduction of infected soil or plants.
- Apply specific fungicides preventively in periods of high risk of infection.
- Carry out periodic soil analyzes to detect the presence of the pathogen and take appropriate measures.
- Avoid excessive watering and adjust irrigation systems to minimize moisture in the root zone.
- Practice crop rotation with non-susceptible species to reduce the pathogen load in the soil.
- Use mulches and plant covers that improve soil structure and promote drainage.
- Carry out constant monitoring of plants to detect early symptoms and act immediately.
- Encourage the use of organic amendments that improve the general health of the soil and the resistance of the plants.
Recommendations
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