Ongoing molecular studies of Eucalyptus powdery mildew in Brazil
| Authors: | N. R. Fonseca, L. M. S. Guimaraes, R. P. Pires, Ned B. Klopfenstein, M. -S. Kim, A. C. Alfenas |
| Year: | 2016 |
| Type: | Paper |
| Station: | Rocky Mountain Research Station |
| Source: | In: Ramsey, Amy; Palacios, Patsy, comps. Proceedings of the 63rd Annual Western International Forest Disease Work Conference; September 21-25 , 2015; Newport, OR. Olympia, WA: Washington Department of Natural Resources; Logan, UT: Utah State University, Quinney College of Natural Resources. p. 113-115. |
Abstract
Powdery mildew diseases are caused by biotrophic fungi in the Erysiphales. These fungal pathogens are easily observed by the whitish powdery appearance caused by their colonization of the aerial surfaces on living plants (Stadnik & Rivera, 2001) (Figure 1). In Brazil, powdery mildew of Eucalyptus spp is increasing under the current nursery production systems, and the causal agents are generally recognized as the anamorphic stage, such as Oidium spp or Oidium eucalypti Rostrup. (Mucci et al., 1980). Unfortunately, pathogen identification is hampered by the absence of sexual reproductive structures in Eucalyptus powdery mildew pathogens of Brazil (Bedendo, 2011). Accurate identification of these powdery mildew fungi is essential for developing disease management practices, such as resistance-breeding and screening programs, which are dependent on the pathogen species or race. In addition, accurate identification of powdery mildew pathogens will enhance chemical control methods, because different species may respond differently to various fungicides that have specific modes of action.