Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
After harvest, dip fruit for one minute in calcium
hypochlorite to remove the dark growth of the fungus.
STEM-END ROT
Cause
Stem-end rot is caused by several species of fungi and
bacteria; principally, Fusicoccum aesculi (Dothiorella
aromatica), Lasiodiplodia theobromae and Colletotrichum
gloeosporioides. Phomopsis perseae and Thyronectria
pseudotrichia may also be involved.
Symptoms
Stem-end rot is a dark brown to black rot of the fruit
starting at the stem end. With the exception of stem-end
rot caused by C. gloeosporioides , vascular tissue discolours,
typically in advance of f flesh symptoms.
Source of infection and spread
The stem-end rot fungi live within healthy stem tissue
as latent and/or endophytic infections. Infection may occur
as endophytic colonisation of the inf lorescence and
stem-end tissue of fruit before harvest.
Fig 4.23 Superficial fungal growth on fruit caused by sooty blotch.
Inset: early stage.
Importance
This is a minor disease. If not controlled, the disease may
reduce photosynthesis of leaves, discolour fruit and reduce
its market value.
Management
Use the fi eld spray program for anthracnose to control
sooty blotch.
Fig 4.24 Sooty blotch symptoms on branches.
Fig 4.25 External symptoms of stem-end rot on a green-skinned variety.
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